Rocca di Scandiano to Become Cultural Hub After Restoration
The Rocca di Scandiano, a Renaissance castle located in Reggio Emilia, is undergoing restoration to serve as a museum and cultural hub, with the initial two phases slated for completion by the end of 2026. Constructed in the 14th century by the Da Fogliano family, it was later home to the Boiardo family from 1423 to 1560, during which Matteo Maria Boiardo penned Orlando Innamorato. In the 16th century, Giulio Boiardo engaged artists for the Eneide cycle. The fortress transitioned to the Thiene family in the 17th century, where architect Giovanbattista Aleotti designed its expansions. In 2024, Scandiano regained ownership of the Rocca, revitalizing a 2002 regeneration initiative to blend modern features with historical preservation.
Key facts
- Rocca di Scandiano is a Renaissance fortress in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
- Originally built in the 14th century by the Da Fogliano family.
- Inhabited by the Boiardo family from 1423 to 1560.
- Matteo Maria Boiardo wrote Orlando Innamorato here, published in 1483.
- 16th-century artists Bartolomeo Spani and Nicolò dell’Abate worked on the site.
- Nicolò dell’Abate painted the Eneide cycle (now at Galleria Estense, Modena) and the Salone del Paradiso.
- 17th-century architect Giovanbattista Aleotti (l'Argenta) designed an unfinished quadrangular expansion.
- The Rocca later housed cadets of the Military Academy of Modena.
- In 2024, the municipality of Scandiano reacquired the Rocca from the State Property Agency.
- The REEC plan (2022) aims to create a museum and cultural hub by end of 2026.
- Restoration covers 5,000 square meters in three phases.
- Architectural project by Ufficio Progetti (Giorgio Adelmo Bertani and Francesca Vezzali).
- New elements include a panoramic elevator and a steel-and-wood staircase.
- The outer vallo will be redesigned into a city square based on a 2023 competition.
Entities
Artists
- Matteo Maria Boiardo
- Bartolomeo Spani
- Nicolò dell’Abate
- Giovanbattista Aleotti (l'Argenta)
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Giorgio Adelmo Bertani
- Francesca Vezzali
Institutions
- Comune di Scandiano
- Demanio dello Stato
- Soprintendenza
- Galleria Estense di Modena
- Accademia Militare di Modena
- Ufficio Progetti
- Artribune
Locations
- Scandiano
- Reggio Emilia
- Modena
- Fontainebleau
- Emilia-Romagna
- Italy