The Alfredo Oriani house-museum (1852-1909), called “Il Cardello,” stands on the remains of the ancient guesthouse of the Benedictine Abbey of Valsenio, dating back to the 11th century. Purchased by Alfredo’s father in 1855, it was restored in 1926 while respecting the original structure. In contrast, the tombs of the writer and his family, created between 1923 and 1924, reflect the dominant Fascist style of those years. The interior offers an example of the typical Romagnol noble residence from the late 19th century, despite the improper removal of some artworks and furniture during the last world war. In fact, the famous Portrait of Ariosto, already attributed to Titian, came from the Cardello.
The furnishings consist of local artisan furniture, sideboards, chests, beds with columns. A characteristic of late 19th-century Romagnol taste is the kitchen located on the ground floor of the building. In the study, nearly six hundred volumes from Oriani’s library are preserved. The archive is located in the loggia. In the large attic, where a small museum of the estate has been installed, the famous bicycle of the writer is displayed. Of great interest is the park, characterized by the centuries-old cypress, symbol of the Cardello, along with the nearby tower. There are thirty thousand plants dating from interventions to enrich the greenery around the house-museum, starting in the 1920s.
Information about Il Cardello
Via Cardello, 9,
48010 Casola Valsenio (Ravenna)
054673135
biboriani@racine.ra.it
https://www.fondazionecasadioriani.it
Source: MIBACT
