Hidden in the wonderful hills of Bologna , the Rocchetta Mattei is an extraordinary testimony of eclectic architecture and a fascinating era. This castle of medieval origins was restored and enlarged in the 19th century by Count Cesare Mattei, an eccentric and visionary character, as well as a man famous for having founded electrohomeopathy. Today, the Rocchetta Mattei is an enchanting building to visit, which offers its visitors a unique insight into the story and aesthetic taste of its creator. Keep on reading to find out more about this wonderful place: history, curiosities, location and, of course, where to eat in the Bologna's hills after your visit!
History of Rocchetta Mattei
The story of Rocchetta Mattei is intimately connected with the figure of Count Cesare Mattei, a politician and a self-taught doctor from the 19th century. The count, famous for his medical researches and for the creation of a therapeutic system known as "electropathy", purchased the Rocchetta in 1850. And he began to transform this ancient medieval castle into a residence and a laboratory for his scientific activities, carrying out an extraordinary process of restoration and expansion. In fact, Rocchetta Mattei was transformed into a sumptuous and extravagant residence. The count introduced architectural elements from different styles, creating a set of towers, loggias and decorations that reflected his eccentric personality. The castle also became a center of experimentation for Mattei's medical theories, attracting visitors and patients from all over the world. After the count's death in 1896, the Rocchetta went through various vicissitudes and changes of ownership until, in the 20th century, it was abandoned and neglected. In recent decades, thanks to conservation and restoration efforts, Rocchetta Mattei has been reborn, bringing to light its ancient splendor and once again attracting visitors fascinated by its history and architectural beauty.
Where is Rocchetta Mattei located
Rocchetta Mattei is located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, more precisely in the municipality of Grizzana Morandi, in the province of Bologna. The building is located approximately 50 kilometers south from the Emilian capital and 80 north from the Tuscan capital. Its strategic position, on the slopes of the hills, offers breathtaking views of the Panaro valley and the surrounding peaks. Immersed in a lush and green landscape, Rocchetta Mattei is easily reachable by car from Bologna, Florence and other neighboring cities.
How to reach the Rocchetta
If you want to visit this extraordinary castle you can both reaching it by car or by train. In the first case, coming from Bologna, you will have to take the Sasso Marconi Nord or Sud exit of the A1 highway towards Florence and, subsequently, take the Statale 64 Porrettana road towards Pistoia up to Riola. If you arrive from Florence, however, after taking the Rioveggio exit of the A1-Panoramica highway, you can continue on the provincial road 325 towards Grizzana Morandi, always following the signs for Riola. If you prefer to reach Rocchetta Mattei by train, then you can use the Porrettana railway line from Bologna and get off in Riola . Alternatively, take the train from Pistoia, change in Porretta Terme and reach Riola. From the station the Rocchetta is about 15 minutes by foot .
How to visit the Castle
A visit of the Rocchetta Mattei is a compelling experience for anyone who loves history, architecture and the charm of ancient places. The castle, with its imposing towers and ornate facades, is an exceptional example of medieval and Renaissance architecture, mixed with exotic and oriental influences.You can visit the castle only with a guided tour, during which it will be possible to explore the rooms decorated with original frescoes, admire the ancient furnishings and walk in the surrounding landscaped gardens. One of the most evocative rooms is, for sure, the Chapel: with its imposing arches decorated with black and white stripes that recall the Arabic architecture of the Mezquita of Cordoba. But, of course, every room in this building will leave you speechless! The Courtyard of the Lions, inspired by that of the Alhambra in Granada, is an open-air work of art which leads to various rooms such as the one of Music, the one of Peace and to the tomb of Cesare Mattei, which is still preserved in castle. Walking through the corridors and rooms of the Rocchetta will be like taking a beautiful step back in time.
Times and tickets
If you want to visit the castle, then you will have to book your tickets for Rocchetta Mattei well in advance! Since it is only open on weekends or on holidays, the structure easily fills up with visitors. Guided tours run from 9.30am to 6.30pm (last entry at 5.30pm) and the visit to the Rocchetta lasts an hour. Check out the website calendar to find the first available day and book your tour!
Curiosities about Rocchetta Mattei
The castle is surrounded by a series of curiosities, mysteries and legends that make it even more fascinating to the eyes of its visitors! One of the most intriguing puzzles concerns the alleged presence of secret passages and hidden rooms within it. It is said, in fact, that Count Cesare Mattei had designed these rooms to hide treasures or to conduct secret experiments related to his medical practice. These supposed underground passages have fueled the imagination of generations of visitors, but to this day there is no evidence of any hiding place there. Furthermore, Rocchetta Mattei has also been the protagonist of legends connected to paranormal presences and inexplicable phenomena. Finally, there is no shortage of legends surrounding the figure of Count Cesare Mattei himself. The count is said to have had extraordinary powers and a secret knowledge of the ancient alchemical arts, which he used to create miraculous remedies. These stories fuel the myth around the figure of the count and add a further layer of mystery to the story of Rocchetta Mattei .
Where to have lunch after the visit on the Bologna's hills
If you have decided to visit Rocchetta Mattei, Sambac's advice is to do it in the morning, so you can then enjoy the rest of the day on the green hills of Bologna! After the tour you cannot miss an excellent lunch with the typical delicacies of Emilia-Romagna. In the surroundings of the Rocchetta there are several traditional restaurants. Here you can find some of the recommended places for lunch on the Bolognese hills:
Locanda Mulino Cati
This place is ideal for those who want to taste excellent Bolognese food inside a splendid disused mill. The restaurant is located in Ponte di Verzuno, just a 5-minute drive from the Rocchetta, and it also houses the Cesare Mattei museum, which can be visited during the restaurant's opening hours. Here you can taste the menu of the day and the delicious Bolognese tigelle with local cured meats.
Sambuco al Sole
The Sambuco al Sole restaurant is located not far from the Rocchetta Mattei, in Chiosi, and offers tasty traditional dishes and fish dishes, everything can be enjoyed in an inn with an ancient flavor and overlooking the splendid Bolognese hills . Let yourself be won over by its welcoming and magical atmosphere.
