Palazzo Martinetti Rossi
The legendary Garden of Hesperides
Palazzo Martinetti Rossi is an exclusive and fascinating historical residence located in the heart of Bologna, at Via San Vitale 56. Dating back to the 16th century, the building is the result of the genius of the Bolognese architect Bartolomeo Triachini, who bestowed it with an aura of prestige. The name and fame of the palace are linked to the figures of two spouses who owned and lived in it in the early 19th century: the Italian-Swiss architect Giovan Battista Martinetti
(1764 -1830), a native of Ticino, and his wife, Countess Cornelia Barbara Rossi di Lugo (1781-1867), a woman of legendary beauty whom Martinetti had married when she was very young in 1802. The latter, a cultured and charming aristocrat, a connoisseur of many languages, both ancient and modern, made the palace illustrious with her refined acquaintances by holding one of the most famous cultural salons in Europe, called the Garden of the Hesperides by its frequent visitors.
Palazzo Martinetti Rossi is an exclusive and fascinating historical residence located in the heart of Bologna, at Via San Vitale 56. Dating back to the 16th century, the building is the result of the genius of the Bolognese architect Bartolomeo Triachini, who bestowed it with an aura of prestige. The name and fame of the palace are linked to the figures of two spouses who owned and lived in it in the early 19th century: the Italian-Swiss architect Giovan Battista Martinetti
(1764 -1830), a native of Ticino, and his wife, Countess Cornelia Barbara Rossi di Lugo (1781-1867), a woman of legendary beauty whom Martinetti had married when she was very young in 1802. The latter, a cultured and charming aristocrat, a connoisseur of many languages, both ancient and modern, made the palace illustrious with her refined acquaintances by holding one of the most famous cultural salons in Europe, called the Garden of the Hesperides by its frequent visitors.
Click the button below
Ugo Foscolo and the "priestess of eloquence"
Among the illustrious guests of the cenacle was Ugo Foscolo, who loved the woman, not being reciprocated, and was inspired by her for the ‘priestess of eloquence’, one of the three graces of the eponymous poem.
The palace is distinguished by its stone portal, finely decorated with smooth rustication, that welcomes visitors with a unique and sophisticated style. The inner courtyard reveals an elegant loggia, embellished with Ionic columns and capitals that give a feeling of exclusivity.
The interior of Palazzo Martinetti Rossi is a real hidden treasure, with frescoes by the famous Bolognese painter Francesco Gessi.
Among the illustrious guests of the cenacle was Ugo Foscolo, who loved the woman, not being reciprocated, and was inspired by her for the ‘priestess of eloquence’, one of the three graces of the eponymous poem.
The palace is distinguished by its stone portal, finely decorated with smooth rustication, that welcomes visitors with a unique and sophisticated style. The inner courtyard reveals an elegant loggia, embellished with Ionic columns and capitals that give a feeling of exclusivity.
The interior of Palazzo Martinetti Rossi is a real hidden treasure, with frescoes by the famous Bolognese painter Francesco Gessi.
Guido Reni and Ludovico Carracci: masters exposed
In addition, the residence boasts a prestigious collection of antique furniture and works of art, including paintings by renowed masters such as Guido Reni and Ludovico Carracci.
If you wish to delve into the history and culture of Bologna, the Palazzo Martinetti Rossi offers a unique opportunity to visit one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture.
The palace is open to the public for guided tours by appointment, allowing visitors to discover this exclusive and inimitable jewel in the heart of the city.
In addition, the residence boasts a prestigious collection of antique furniture and works of art, including paintings by renowed masters such as Guido Reni and Ludovico Carracci.
If you wish to delve into the history and culture of Bologna, the Palazzo Martinetti Rossi offers a unique opportunity to visit one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture.
The palace is open to the public for guided tours by appointment, allowing visitors to discover this exclusive and inimitable jewel in the heart of the city.
Click the button below