Bartolomeo de’ Rossi was very careful when choosing the location where his sumptuous abode would be built. Here, ladies, pages and knights were to pass many a pleasurable hours relaxing and enjoying the wonderful country life, far from the suffocation of war.
The perfect location was in the valley just beyond the walls of Bologna by the banks of the river Reno. Rich arable land at the foot of the Apennine Mountains and the steep chalky slopes so often depicted by Bolognese artists formed the perfect backdrop.

The castle was built on two levels allowing one area to be bathed in light and the other more shaded and cools. The small distance from the Reno canal ensured a plentiful water supply for both the castle and the village that grew up near by.
The castle and the village were self-sufficient and had everything they needed: Plentiful harvests, fisheries, mills, stables, barns, fruit trees and sawmills. The inhabitants worked the land and did everything possible to ensure its upkeep. Their houses were small shops that still today surround the piazza overlooked by the castle and the Colombia tower.

With its richly coloured flag stoned floors, the sail shaped vaults and gracious courtyard it is impossible not to be impressed by this castle that is such a part of the surrounding nature.
We are transported far away into the past by the magical atmosphere of the place evoked by the courtyards, airy lodges, and large windows overlooking the countryside and landscape gardens.

The late-gothic building was finished by Bartolomeo’s sons Nestore and Mino in 1500 and has since hosted many famous guests: Giovanni II Bentivoglio and his family were highly thought of guests, and Pontiff Giulio II and his entourage were put up in luxury during the winter of 1506-1507.
Others were papal visits: Leone X in the winter of 1515-1516, and Paolo III Farnese Pontiff del Concilio del Trento was Count Ludovico de’ Rossi’s guest in 1543.
Ludovico de’ Rossi is remembered for the great care and attention he paid in restructuring the ruined parts of the castle damaged in 1527 by the attack of the famous Lanzichenecchi who even here ransacked raided and killed.

Ludovico’s son, the well-educated Gian Galeazzo, was a great friend benefactor to Torquato Tasso who was to be his guest in 1586.
At the end of the Seventeenth century Camillo Turrini de’ Rossi, knocked down the antique tower that was positioned by the Castle. In addition, he transformed the gardens that were full of roses, lemon and orange trees modelling the garden into that of the fashion at the time, the Italian Garden.
From then on the Fortified Castle became the Palazzo de’ Rossi which has been passed down through the generations to this day.