Italy is known as a world-class leader in art and design. Many movements and styles were born or mastered in Italy over the century. The Renaissance, in particular, forever changed art and architecture in the western world. However, for all of the architectural gems that exist in Italy, there are also some rather bizarre buildings. These might, equally, be beautiful but are definitely odd.
One of the strangest architectural ventures in Italy is the Rocchetta Mattei, a magnificent castle located in the northern part of the Tosco-Emiliano Apennines, in the province of Bologna. It is an exceptionally eccentric building that speaks to its former owner, a similarly strange character. The earl Cesare Mattei, who had the castle built in the 19th century, was the inventor of "electrohomeopathy," a medical practice said to cure cancer. His methods have been largely debunked but he showed his eccentricity in his personal life and tastes as well, as can be seen throughout the castle.
One of the strangest architectural ventures in Italy is the Rocchetta Mattei, a magnificent castle located in the northern part of the Tosco-Emiliano Apennines, in the province of Bologna. It is an exceptionally eccentric building that speaks to its former owner, a similarly strange character. The earl Cesare Mattei, who had the castle built in the 19th century, was the inventor of "electrohomeopathy," a medical practice said to cure cancer. His methods have been largely debunked but he showed his eccentricity in his personal life and tastes as well, as can be seen throughout the castle.
Just find a vacation rental in Emilia-Romangna and discover the madness and beauty of the building for yourself.
The castle is a striking building that combines elements of Moorish, modern and Medieval architecture in a hodge-podge of styles. It is, as a result a strange but beautiful looking building, if not the most practical of homes.
The layout is truly all over the place; it is basically a labyrinth of arbitrarily interconnected rooms, often with strange and specific purposes like the room built specifically for celebrations for his 90th birthday (which, sadly, never came).
The Medieval Village in Turin is another strange architectural venture and a very special tourist attraction.
The castle is a striking building that combines elements of Moorish, modern and Medieval architecture in a hodge-podge of styles. It is, as a result a strange but beautiful looking building, if not the most practical of homes.
The layout is truly all over the place; it is basically a labyrinth of arbitrarily interconnected rooms, often with strange and specific purposes like the room built specifically for celebrations for his 90th birthday (which, sadly, never came).
The Medieval Village in Turin is another strange architectural venture and a very special tourist attraction.
Villages, towns and cities all across Italy that have medieval quartres but the Medieval Village, placed in Valentino Park is 19th century-built perfect replica of a 15th century Piedmontese Village. It is the closest thing you will get to actually travelling back through time and space. For history lovers or those merely intrigued by novelty, the “village” is a beautiful architectural feat in a city of architectural feats that is sure to delight.
Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and you can spend a pleasant day exploring the city of Turin and this hidden curiosity.
Both beautiful and odd, Italy is filled with such buildings and architectural feats.
Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and you can spend a pleasant day exploring the city of Turin and this hidden curiosity.
Both beautiful and odd, Italy is filled with such buildings and architectural feats.
Photo credits
picture 1: Alessandro Vecchi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Stefano Stabile / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Twice25 & Rinina25 / CC BY 2.5
picture 1: Alessandro Vecchi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Stefano Stabile / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Twice25 & Rinina25 / CC BY 2.5