An inimitable architectural treasure, wanted by Cesare Mattei, one of the 100 founders of the Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna... #tuttitaly
Rocchetta Mattei remains a unique architectural treasure. The Castle was wanted and designed by Count Cesare Mattei (1809-1896). He received the title of Count in 1847 from Pope Pius IX, following a land donation in that of Comacchio. In 1850, he started the construction of the Rocchetta on the ruins of the ancient Rocca Savignano from the 13th century.
The count and his heirs have modified the castle's structure several times. Above all, Cesare Mattei was inspired by the origins of patients worldwide to benefit from his alternative medicine, whose recipes he never put in writing.
On the visit to the castle, you will notice various styles: from the neo-medieval to the neo-Renaissance, from the Moorish to the Art Nouveau. And what fascinates me a lot is the meaningless details and the hypnotic games.
In 1859, Cesare settled in the Castle, and after the death of his mother, he dedicated his life to the study and dissemination of alternative medicine, which he baptized Electrohomeopathy. This practice ensured him worldwide fame, and following his death, it was continued by the heirs until 1959. That year, the Rocchetta was sold to the wife of a local trader Primo Stefanelli. The latter managed it as an attraction until the 1980s, after which the castle was abandoned.
In 2005, the Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna Foundation bought it and, after careful planning, began the renovation works. In 2015, he reopened it to the public.
Interestingly, in 1837, Cesare was one of the 100 founders of Carisbo.
Mattei and Venturoli:
To devote himself to his medicines and continue his home and clinic work, Cesare Mattei entrusted the financial management of his activities to his nephew Luigi. The latter caused a severe economic crisis that he kept in the dark from the count. Once the deception was discovered, Mattei disinherited his family and, relying on his collaborator Mario Venturoli, managed to recover. As a sign of gratitude, the count in 1888 decided to adopt it. But he could never trust anyone again.
When Venturoli's wife served him a different coffee than usual (he loved Turkish coffee, she did him espresso thinking it would please the visiting guest), he expelled the family from the Castle, claiming they wanted to poison him.
During Mattei's years at the Rocchetta, many families in the area found work and well-being. Riola experienced a period of exceptional development and prosperity, also thanks to the railway station built by the count for his patients.
After 1904, Mario Venturoli returned and continued work on the castle. He continued the healing practices of his adoptive father, although electro-homeopathy remained essentially a mystery.
According to his will, the remains of Cesare Mattei found rest in a monumental tomb in the chapel of his Rocchetta.
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