If you’re exploring the castles of Emilia-Romagna, Rocchetta Mattei should be at the very top of your list. Tucked away in the wild hills of the Apennines near Grizzana Morandi, just about an hour from Bologna, this hidden gem instantly swept us into another world. From the very first moment, we knew – this was no ordinary castle.
Rocchetta Mattei looks like it stepped out of a fairytale – an exotic palace with Moorish architecture that feels completely out of place in the rustic Italian countryside, yet somehow fits perfectly. It’s both surprising and absolutely enchanting.
💫 The castle is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00 – but every moment is worth it.
Why is Rocchetta Mattei so special?
- The blend of Arabic and medieval Italian architecture is breathtaking: the chapel’s horseshoe arches recall the Mosque of Córdoba, while the matroneum and apse reflect classic Italian design.
- The Red Room’s ceiling is stunning – composed of detailed, pyramid-like paper elements inspired by Islamic muqarnas patterns.
- The Courtyard of the Lions evokes the atmosphere of the Alhambra in Granada – a Moorish dream in the heart of Italy.
But this isn’t just an aesthetic experience – it touched me deeply. When I stepped into the Arabic Room, soft light filtered through the geometric window screens, casting delicate, colorful shadows on the walls. There was silence, a kind of stillness that felt like stepping outside of time. At the entrance, the sculpted stone figures reminded me of the Gothic façade of Notre-Dame in Paris. This castle truly defies categories – it’s a magical place where styles and centuries blend effortlessly.
The eccentric count who built a healing empire
Rocchetta Mattei was commissioned in the second half of the 19th century by Count Cesare Mattei – a patron of the arts and the founder of a unique branch of alternative medicine known as electrohomeopathy. This practice combined the healing properties of plants with electrical charges, and Mattei wasn’t just a theorist – he personally treated patients right here in the castle, which also served as his home.
His vision was to create not just a residence, but a symbolic journey – a place that guided visitors toward knowledge and healing. The symbolic architecture, golden rooftops, and asymmetrical towers were all part of this intentional path.
What you’ll take with you
Rocchetta Mattei is more than just a unique building – it’s an experience that stays with you. A place where history, art, and imagination come together. Where you don’t just observe – you lose yourself in the details and somehow rediscover something within yourself. If you love stories, mysteries, and places that speak to you, then this castle is absolutely unmissable.