Musei della Rocca di Sestola

About the museum

The Rocca di Sestola dominates the village from a rocky spur in the Modenese Apennines. The site was strategic from the Bronze Age onwards; it later became a Roman and Lombard stronghold and the fortress of the Frignano. In 1563 Duke Alfonso II d'Este had the fortress almost entirely rebuilt on the model of 16th-century military works. In the 19th century the buildings housed a penitentiary for political prisoners, then a weather observatory and a children's colony.

Today the highest and oldest part of the complex houses the museums, run by the cultural association E' Scamàdul under an agreement with the Comune di Sestola. The Museo della Civiltà Montanara, opened in 1986 in the former stables of the governor's palace, holds about 1,500 tools of work and life in the mountains, and reconstructs rooms such as the kitchen, the stable, the cellar and the workshops of former times.

On the upper floor is the Museo degli Strumenti Musicali Meccanici, dedicated to Eduard Thoenes, with over 120 pieces in seven rooms, including barrel organs, cylinder pianos and gramophones, some still in working order. The route also includes the cycle of 15th-century frescoes of Saint John the Baptist, the room dedicated to the soprano from Sestola Teresina Burchi in Reiter, the Sala del Camino, the 16th-century reconstruction of the fortress and the tower with the panoramic terrace.

Highlights

• Museo della Civiltà Montanara with about 1,500 tools and reconstructed rooms
• Museo degli Strumenti Musicali Meccanici with over 120 pieces
• Cycle of 15th-century frescoes of Saint John the Baptist
• Room dedicated to the soprano Teresina Burchi in Reiter
• Panoramic terrace on the tower of the Rocca

Permanent exhibitions

• Museo della Civiltà Montanara – About 1,500 tools of work and life in the mountains, with reconstructions of the kitchen, stable, cellar and craft workshops.
• Museo degli Strumenti Musicali Meccanici – Over 120 instruments in seven rooms, documenting the evolution of mechanical music from the 19th century to today.
• Ciclo di affreschi di San Giovanni Battista – Ten late 15th-century panels with the life of the saint, from the parish church of Roncoscaglia.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Comune di Sestola; gestione: Associazione culturale E' Scamàdul

Visitors per year

approx. 6,289

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The section “La Rocca in gioco” is a corner for the youngest visitors, where they can learn while having fun.

Getting there & parking

The Rocca stands on the spur above the village and is reached through the main gate at Via Rocca 2. The Rocca park can be reached on foot along the old Via dei Governatori, which starts from the bell tower, or by the carriage road, which in summer is also served by a little tourist train.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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