Rocchetta Mattei, Castle in Grizzana Morandi, Italy.
Rocchetta Mattei is a fortress in the hills near Grizzana Morandi in northern Italy. The structure mixes Moorish arches with Gothic towers, Renaissance elements, and Art Nouveau details across a system of courtyards, passages, and halls.
Count Cesare Mattei began building the fortress in 1850 to practice his alternative healing method, which he called electrohomeopathy. The complex grew over several decades as patients traveled from across Europe and overseas for treatment.
The fortress takes its name from Count Cesare Mattei, who used it as both residence and treatment center for his medical philosophy. Visitors today see the rooms where he received patients from across Europe and developed his theories about healing.
Guided tours run on weekends between 15:00 and 17:30 and are the only way to see the interior. Sturdy shoes help when walking across different floor surfaces and through winding areas with steps.
Czar Alexander II of Russia and King Ludwig III of Bavaria both received treatment here from Mattei. The count developed over 100 plant-based remedies, which he prepared in a laboratory inside the fortress.
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