Palazzo Sanuti

Palazzo Sanuti Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Sasso Marconi Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Palazzo Sanuti, also known as Villa Fontana, stands in the picturesque locality of Fontana within Sasso Marconi, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. This Renaissance villa is a symbol of noble heritage, artistic achievement, and the evolving cultural landscape of the Bolognese Apennines. Commissioned in the mid-15th century by Nicolò Sanuti, a distinguished Bolognese nobleman and the first Count of Porretta, the palazzo offers visitors a window into Quattrocento society, art, and technology (Comune di Sasso Marconi).

Palazzo Sanuti is renowned for its robust Renaissance architecture, including a rare painted façade frieze depicting the Sanuti family, heraldic symbols, and allegorical figures. Its courtyard fountain, celebrated since the 16th century, exemplifies Renaissance hydraulic engineering and gave the hamlet of Fontana its name (sassomarconifoto.it). Inside, visitors will find devotional artworks such as a mid-15th-century fresco of the Virgin and Child, and a terracotta Madonna attributed to the school of Michele da Firenze or Jacopo della Quercia’s workshop (ilcapochiave.it).

Over the centuries, the palazzo has transitioned from noble residence to monastic stewardship and, later, to private ownership by the Comelli family, who still preserve it today. Its enduring presence anchors Sasso Marconi’s heritage and offers an immersive experience into the political, religious, and cultural transformations of the region (Emilia Romagna Turismo).

This comprehensive guide provides essential visitor information, including practical details on hours, ticketing, guided tours, accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or curious traveler, Palazzo Sanuti promises a memorable journey into the Renaissance heart of Emilia-Romagna (Audiala).

Introduction
Historical Background and Construction
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Interior and Lost Decorations
Historical Events and Ownership Transitions
Community and Cultural Significance
Visiting Palazzo Sanuti: Practical Information
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Conservation and Restoration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical Background and Construction

Palazzo Sanuti was commissioned in the mid-15th century by Nicolò Sanuti, a prominent member of Bologna’s city senate. In 1447, Pope Nicholas V granted Sanuti the title of Count of Porretta, underscoring his influence (Comune di Sasso Marconi). The villa was strategically built at the foot of the Rupe, near the Reno River, offering scenic views and practical access between Sanuti’s estates and Bologna.

Over time, the estate served as a summer country residence for the Sanuti family. The architectural design—a rectangular palazzo centered around a courtyard—combined residential elegance with agricultural functionality, reflecting the lifestyle and values of Renaissance nobility.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The Quattrocento Frieze

A defining feature of Palazzo Sanuti is its 15th-century painted frieze, which remains one of the rare surviving examples of Renaissance exterior fresco decoration in the Apennines (ilcapochiave.it). Despite weathering, the frieze is largely legible and depicts profile busts of Nicolò Sanuti and his wife, Nicolosa Castellani, along with heraldic and allegorical motifs representing family status and Renaissance iconography.

Heraldic and Devotional Artworks

The façade prominently displays the Sanuti coat of arms and the inscription “Nicolaus Santus Porrecte Comes,” referencing Sanuti’s papal title (sassomarconifoto.it). Inside, visitors can admire a fresco of the Virgin and Child and a polychrome terracotta Madonna, attributed to the workshop of Jacopo della Quercia, set within a Gothic-style niche. These works reflect the devotional and artistic priorities of the period.

The Renaissance Fountain

In the courtyard stands the monumental Renaissance fountain, which historically supplied spring water to the estate and the hamlet. This feature is a testament to Renaissance engineering and has been celebrated since the 16th century in local chronicles (ilcapochiave.it). The fountain gave Fontana its name and remains a central visual and historical element of the villa.

Interior and Lost Decorations

While the exterior retains much of its original decoration, the interior has undergone changes due to ownership transitions and adaptive reuse, including a period as the “Osteria della Fontana” inn. Visitors can still observe vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and fragments of decorative plasterwork, offering glimpses into the palazzo’s noble past (sassomarconifoto.it).

Historical Events and Ownership Transitions

After the Sanuti family divided their estates, Palazzo Sanuti was acquired by the Benedictine monks of San Procolo in Bologna, who maintained it until the late 18th century. The French expropriation of ecclesiastical properties led to its acquisition by Annibale Rossi, and eventually, the Comelli family through marriage. Notably, Gian Battista Comelli documented the history of the Rupe and the local sanctuary, including the dramatic collapse of the Rupe in 1895—a significant event in local memory.

Community and Cultural Significance

Centrally located between Via Porrettana, the Rupe, and the Reno River, Palazzo Sanuti has played a pivotal role in the development of Fontana and Sasso Marconi. The villa’s enduring presence through wars and social changes highlights its architectural resilience and the dedication of its owners. Today, it serves as a cultural landmark, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and community events that celebrate regional history and artistic heritage.

Visiting Palazzo Sanuti: Practical Information

Hours and Tickets

Typical Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. These hours may vary during special events; check the official website.
Tickets: General admission is €8; reduced rates for seniors and students (€5); free for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased onsite or online.
Guided Tours: Offered on weekends (at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM) and by appointment. Tours in English available on request.

Accessibility and Facilities

Accessibility: The ground floor is accessible for visitors with limited mobility, but some upper floors and historic staircases are not wheelchair-friendly due to preservation requirements.
Restrooms and Cloakroom: Modern facilities are available.
Gift Shop: Books, crafts, and regional souvenirs offered.

Travel Tips

Getting There: Reachable by car (A1 motorway or SS64 Porrettana), train from Bologna Centrale, or regional bus. Parking is available nearby.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn provide pleasant weather and vibrant gardens.
Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas.

Nearby Attractions

Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Sasso: A significant spiritual and architectural site.
Monte Sole Historical Park: Hiking trails and WWII memorials.
Marconi Museum: Dedicated to Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi.
Local Eateries: Enjoy traditional Bolognese dishes at nearby trattorias.

Conservation and Restoration

Restoration efforts, especially those led by Giambattista Comelli in the 19th century, have preserved the façade frieze, Madonna statue, and other key features. Ongoing conservation projects aim to stabilize the structure and protect fragile artworks from environmental damage (ilcapochiave.it; sassomarconifoto.it).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Palazzo Sanuti’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How much is admission?
A: €8 for adults, €5 for seniors/students, free for children under 12.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, weekends and by appointment, with English-language options upon request.

Q: Is Palazzo Sanuti accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The main floor is accessible; upper floors may not be.

Q: How do I get to Palazzo Sanuti?
A: By car, train, or bus from Bologna. Parking is available on site.

Q: Can I take photos inside Palazzo Sanuti?
A: Non-flash photography is generally permitted, except in restricted areas.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: The Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Sasso, Monte Sole Park, Marconi Museum, and local restaurants.

Conclusion

Palazzo Sanuti is a remarkable testament to Renaissance architecture, noble patronage, and the evolving cultural heritage of Sasso Marconi and the Emilia-Romagna region. Its rare façade frieze, Renaissance fountain, and devotional artworks provide a unique glimpse into 15th-century noble life. The villa’s layered history—from its origins under Nicolò Sanuti, to stewardship by religious orders, and ongoing preservation by the Comelli family—reflects broader shifts in local identity and Italian history.

Visitors can expect a multifaceted experience, enriched by guided tours, community events, and the scenic Apennine foothills. Ongoing restoration and active community engagement ensure that Palazzo Sanuti remains a living cultural landmark. To enhance your visit, consider using interactive resources like the Audiala app for guided audio tours and virtual experiences. A visit to Palazzo Sanuti is an essential journey for anyone exploring the historical and artistic treasures of Emilia-Romagna (Audiala).