Castello della Giovannina

Castello della Giovannina is a fortified residence from the 16th century in San Giovanni in Persiceto with a square plan, four corner towers, and Ghibelline battlements. The structure contains an internal double gallery that runs through the building.

The castle was built around 1550 and originally belonged to the Pepoli family before passing to Count Ercole Aldrovandi in 1544. Aldrovandi oversaw the completion of construction and gave the structure its final form.

The interior walls hold frescoes created between 1617 and 1632 by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, showing scenes from classical literature. These paintings reflect the artistic tastes that noble families valued during that period.

The entire structure is currently closed to visitors due to severe damage from the 2012 earthquake. Restoration work is still in progress, so access to the interior and detailed views remains unavailable.

A fifth separate tower stands guard over the complex, functioning as its own structure outside the main building. An extensive park with centuries-old trees surrounds the entire ensemble and adds greenery to the site.

Location: San Giovanni in Persiceto

Inception: 16 century

Address: via Cento 290 ‒ San Matteo Della Decima ‒ San Giovanni In Persiceto (BO)

GPS coordinates: 44.73510,11.26340

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27