Villa Rota
Villa Rota is an 18th-century historic wedding venue just outside Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna, set within a one-hectare centuries-old park. Once the country residence of the Counts Pasolini Dall'Onda, the villa combines aristocratic architecture and historic interiors with contemporary spaces for destination weddings.
The piano nobile features a magnificent frescoed ballroom overlooking the park, alongside beautifully restored salons that retain the character of the original residence. In the gardens, the contemporary Garden Pavilion provides a striking glass-enclosed setting for wedding dinners and celebrations, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding landscape throughout the year.
Villa Rota can host weddings for up to 150 guests. For guests travelling from abroad, the villa are pleased to recommend a carefully curated selection of nearby accommodation.
Food is an important part of the experience, with in-house catering inspired by Chef Walter Bianconi's Michelin-starred expertise. Dedicated planning and design support is also available through Novia Weddings, helping couples shape the celebration around their own style and plans.
Located approximately 1 hour from Bologna Airport and 30 minutes from Forlì Airport, Villa Rota is an excellent choice for couples looking for a historic wedding venue in Emilia-Romagna, combining frescoed interiors, contemporary event spaces and a private park setting.
Airports
Forlì Airport – 35 km / 30 mins
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport – 85 km / 1 hr
Federico Fellini International Airport, Rimini – 70 km / 1 hr
Accommodation
While Villa Rota does not offer on-site accommodation, the villa's elegant frescoed salons are reserved for the couple's preparations on the wedding day. Bathed in natural light and rich in historic character, they provide a beautiful setting for those special moments before the celebrations begin.
Wet weather
The ceremony can take place outdoors in the park on sunny days or be moved indoors to the elegant piano nobile, framed by the villa's magnificent central window overlooking the gardens.
The spacious interiors of the historic villa, including both the ground floor and the piano nobile, provide refined settings for drinks receptions, dining and celebrations. At the heart of the park, the contemporary Garden Pavilion is fully enclosed, climate-controlled and heated, allowing guests to enjoy the feeling of dining surrounded by nature throughout the year, whatever the weather.
Air conditioning
No
Catering
Villa Rota offers an exclusive in-house catering service, with every aspect of the dining experience prepared and coordinated by the estate's own culinary and hospitality team.
Led by Chef Walter Bianconi, each menu is thoughtfully crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and tailored to reflect every couple's tastes and preferences. Vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly and other dietary requirements are accommodated with the same creativity, care and attention to detail as every other dish.
Supplier policy
Villa Rota's exclusive in-house catering service is an integral part of the wedding experience and is therefore required for all celebrations. Couples are otherwise free to work with their preferred photographers, florists, musicians and other wedding suppliers.
For those seeking a seamless planning experience, Villa Rota also offers a dedicated wedding planning service and is happy to recommend a trusted network of experienced professionals who know the estate well, helping every celebration unfold with ease and attention to every detail.
Booking policy
Villa Rota is exclusively reserved for one wedding per day, ensuring complete privacy and the full enjoyment of the estate throughout the celebration.
Wedding dates are secured upon signature of the booking agreement and payment of a deposit. Final guest numbers are confirmed shortly before the wedding, with the remaining balance due prior to the event.
Our team works closely with every couple throughout the planning process, with all booking terms and event details shared transparently from the outset to ensure a smooth and personalised experience.
Where to stay
Casa Gugù – A beautifully restored boutique guesthouse in the heart of Ravenna's historic centre, featuring six elegant rooms and an intimate atmosphere, ideal for couples and close family members.
Hotel Cube – A contemporary four-star hotel located just a short drive from the villa, offering spacious accommodation and modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for larger wedding parties.
Sei Sequoie Nature & Charme – An elegant countryside retreat surrounded by nature, combining refined hospitality with a peaceful setting, perfect for guests seeking a relaxing stay in the Emilia-Romagna countryside.
Accessibility
The ground floor reception rooms, the Garden Pavilion, the surrounding park and the outdoor event spaces are all fully accessible, with step-free access throughout. An accessible restroom is also available on the ground floor.
Please note that the historic piano nobile is accessible only via a staircase and is therefore not suitable for wheelchair users. The team is always happy to assist with planning the event layout to ensure that all guests can comfortably enjoy every moment of the celebration.
Max wedding guests
Up to 150 guests
Church
Villa Rota does not have a consecrated church on the estate for Catholic wedding ceremonies. Within the historic park, there is a charming private chapel that forms part of the estate's heritage, although it is not used for religious wedding services.
Several beautiful churches are located just a short drive from the villa, including those in the historic centre of Ravenna and the surrounding villages, offering a variety of options for couples planning a religious ceremony.
Civil ceremony
Civil wedding ceremonies are available at nearby town halls and authorised civic venues in the Ravenna area. Many couples choose to complete the legal ceremony before their wedding day and then celebrate their union at Villa Rota with a beautifully personalised symbolic ceremony.

