Grizzana Morandi
The Rocchetta Mattei, the most unique and unusual building in the entire Apennines, is a true "fairy tale castle."
It owes its name to Count Cesare Mattei (1809-1896), a man of letters, politician and inventor of electrohomeopathy.
The architectural structure, whose building started in 1850, was modified several times by Mattei and later by his heirs, making it a labyrinth of towers, monumental staircases, courtyards and loggias, reception rooms, salons and private rooms.
The building reflects the count's varied personality, with Moorish and medieval-style rooms and towers connected by ornate Art Nouveau staircases. Particularly memorable are the "Lion Courtyard," a scaled-down reproduction of the courtyard of the Alhambra in Granada, and the "Chapel," inspired by the architecture of the Mezquita (mosque) in Cordoba.
After Cesare Mattei's death, the Rocchetta passed to various estates and was even run as a hotel with a restaurant. Abandoned in the 1980s, it was restored by the Carisbo Foundation of Bologna starting in 2005, launching a philological operation to restore the building's artistic and cultural value and make it accessible again, allowing the public to visit much of the complex and preserve this extraordinary heritage.
Map
Rocchetta Mattei
40030 Grizzana Morandi
Site/minisite/other: www.rocchetta-mattei.com/en/rocchetta-mattei-home/
Interests
- Art & Culture
Timetables
It is possible to tour the castle in the dates and times indicated in the calendar in the section ‘Book now’ of the website: https://rocchetta-mattei.com/en/rocchetta-mattei-home/
The entrance ticket is € 10,00.
The tour is mandatorily lead by a guide that will take the small group to discover of the wonders of the castle.
Booking is mandatory because of the groups.
No pets are allowed inside the castle.
