At about 27.8 ml from Bologna on the Porrettana trunk road, placed on a rock at the confluence of the rivers Reno and Limentra the castle towers over the two valleys.

After a period of neglect, the complex was sold to the Foundation CARISBO and the restoration of the castle, a rare example of eclectic architecture, was inserted in a large-scale project for the improvement of the Reno valley.

At this moment the access to the castle is allowed to the staff only

A short history:
Built by the Count Cesare Mattei, who began the works in November 1850, it is placed on the ruins of an ancient fortress dating back to 1200, which was part of the estate of Matilda of Tuscany.
The Count took up residence here in 1859 and until April 1896, date of his death, he went on with the works, ended by his adopted son Mario Venturoli.

For more info:
Rocchetta_Mattei

For info on the project:
Progetto Rocchetta Mattei
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna
Via Farini 15, 40124 Bologna
+390512754256
rocchettamattei@fondazionecarisbo.it

Thanks to our friend Giulio Pettenò for the material of this special report.