Medelana Castle, in the hills of Bologna, emerges as an abandoned jewel shrouded in fog and mystery, ready to be rediscovered by urbex enthusiasts.
Location and Ancient Origins
Hidden in the hamlet of Medelana, in the municipality of Marzabotto and just 30 minutes from Bologna, this manor house stands at 668 meters above sea level in the Emilian hills. The complex includes a manor house and outbuildings in the courtyard, with the current structure dating back to the 1920s. Built on the foundations of a 15th-century dwelling mentioned in the Gregorian and papal land registers, it evokes centuries of forgotten history.
Eclectic Style
Named “Villa Ada” after its reconstruction in eclectic style, it stands out for its crenellated tower with corbels that dominates the landscape.
The Surrounding Rural Outbuildings
The site boasts charming outbuildings:
• The farmhouse dating back to 1848, emblem of the Bolognese farming tradition;
• An imposing barn with pilasters and pillars on two levels;
• A partially collapsed stable, but with stone walls and lateral reinforcements still visible;
• The caretaker’s lodgings, a sober mix of masonry and exposed stone.
From Legacy to Current Decay
Bequeathed to the Municipality of Marzabotto at the end of the last century, the last owner dreamed of a future of welfare for the villa. Transformed into a hotel and restaurant, it was then entrusted to a Bologna cooperative in the early 2000s with hopes of rebirth. Today it lies in deep ruin, alive only in the stories of those who knew it when it was inhabited; the Castello di Medelana Association has promoted various rescue projects, but none have taken hold.
Medieval Festival: Reenactment on June 21-22, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, 2025, a medieval festival has been organized in Medelana with historical reenactments, shows, craft markets, and themed banquets to revive the ancient splendor of the site. The event, as reported by local sources, invites everyone to immerse themselves in two days of collective celebrations, bringing together communities and visitors on a journey through time within the crumbling walls of the castle.
Urbex location:
