Rocchetta Mattei

Rocchetta Mattei is an eclectic 19th-century castle near the village of Riola in Emilia-Romagna, in the municipality of Grizzana Morandi in northern Italy. It stands on a rocky spur above the Reno valley, close to where the Reno and Limentra rivers meet, and it was started in 1850 by Count Cesare Mattei (1809–1896). The castle was built on the remains of the medieval Rocca di Savignano, so a visit here combines architecture with a strong sense of local history and landscape.

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• An unusual mix of styles that reflects the castle’s eclectic 19th-century character, making the building itself the main attraction.
• A dramatic setting above the Reno valley, with views shaped by the rocky spur and the nearby meeting point of the Reno and Limentra rivers.
• Traces of a much older defensive site, since Rocchetta Mattei rose on the ruins of the medieval Rocca di Savignano, once tied to important trans-Apennine routes, monastic holdings, and later Bolognese control.

For a visit like this, it is worth wearing comfortable shoes, as the approach and surroundings are best enjoyed at an easy pace. It is a good choice for travelers interested in castles, local history, and a short sightseeing stop with a scenic backdrop.