Charming Frescoed Castle For Sale Near Ravenna

In Emilia Romagna, a few kilometres from Ravenna, this charming 17th-century castle is for sale, surrounded by a private park of over 4,000 sqm with centuries-old trees. The property, which covers an internal area of 3,000 sqm, consists of spacious rooms spread over three floors and 30 bedrooms, offering extraordinary potential for those who wish to create an exclusive venue for prestigious events or start a charming hotel.

Located in a position easily accessible from Bologna, Ravenna, Forlì, Rimini, Faenza, Ferrara and Cesena, this historical castle is a rare investment opportunity in one of the richest regions in terms of art, culture and gastronomic tradition. Its proximity to the ancient Pieve di Santa Maria in Fabriago, dating back to the 11th century, opens up the possibility of evocative synergies for ceremonies and receptions with a great visual impact.

The history of this charming noble estate has its roots in the ancient fortified village of Fabriago, built between the 11th and 12th centuries and belonging over the centuries to the bishops of Faenza and Ravenna, the Marcheselli and the Cunio families. After a period of decline in the 14th century, the area was reborn thanks to the reclamation of the land and the rebuilding of the church of Santa Maria in the 16th century. It was in the 17th century that the first part of the main complex took shape, around the palace of the Marquises Rondinelli, described as “almost a castle” with a tower to the east and precious coats of arms in white marble. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the property underwent further transformations: from a simple country house, it became a venue for receptions and leisure, with increasingly spacious and refined rooms. Its final layout is due to Duke Galeazzo Massari, who in 1882 commissioned engineer Muzzio Attendoli to transform the building into a true neo-Gothic castle, with a crenellated tower, a large reception hall and sumptuous rooms decorated by the painter Pavani in neoclassical and neo-Renaissance style. The medieval imprint, deliberately evoked on the outside, thus blends with elegant classical references in the interiors, creating a residence of extraordinary charm and architectural complexity.

Inside, the house retains a timeless charm, with frescoed ceilings in the three sumptuous reception rooms, antique terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams and impressive decorations reminiscent of the Renaissance style. The three floors feature airy and refined spaces, where history can be felt in every detail. The three halls are distributed one on the ground floor and two on the first floor, with access to the balcony above. The bedrooms and private rooms on the second floor are now used to accommodate guests for events. 

The property has three vehicle entrances and five pedestrian entrances, elegantly adorned with statues of horses and lions. Outside, the private park of approximately 4,000 sqm offers an evocative atmosphere thanks to the presence of centuries-old trees and large green spaces perfect for hosting outdoor events. The elegance of the garden, combined with the grandeur of the historic façade, makes the property an ideal setting for prestigious ceremonies, exclusive receptions, cultural events, exhibitions, fashion shows or activities related to the world of catering and hospitality.

The castle is protected by the Superintendency, which enhances and protects the historicity of the façade and the frescoes in the three main halls, but at the same time allows the property to be adapted to new prestigious uses, such as a luxury hotel, Relais & Châteaux, exclusive home or corporate headquarters. Those who choose to take care of this architectural gem will benefit from significant concessions, including tax exemption. In addition, local urban planning tools allow for a possible expansion of the spaces, thus offering further opportunities for enhancement.

Currently, the castle is rented out for events without the provision of internal services, but the addition of a professional kitchen would make it easy to develop an internal catering business or transform the structure into a fully equipped venue for banquets and events. The property is already equipped with a compliant fire-fighting system, hoses located inside, panic bars, emergency exits and connections for electricity, water, gas, telephone and sewerage, ready to be activated.

This historical estate for sale is a unique opportunity for those who wish to invest in an exclusive location that combines architectural value, commercial potential and a timeless atmosphere.