Manfrediana Fortress

The fortress was constructed beginning in 1310 on the remains of an earlier castle, by order of Francesco Manfredi, lord of Faenza.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the structure was enlarged and modernized: in 1457, during a period of major architectural renewal in the Manfredi territories, Astorgio II had the fortress and walls rebuilt to adapt them to new military techniques. From this phase, the Torricino, or Manfredian Tower, remains, marking the start of the internal walkway of the castle.

From 1503 to 1509 the fortress was occupied by the Venetians, who controlled Romagna. Recognizing the strategic importance of the site, they reconfigured it, building the grand circular keep (maschio) connected to the walls, reconstructed on two sides. For this reason, the fortress is also known as the “Venetian Fortress.”

The building was fully restored in 2008, strengthening the walls and enhancing the architectural complex, also with special lighting. Inside, the Museum “Man and Gypsum” traces the long history of human interaction with the territory and the mineral that forms the pinnacle on which the fortress stands.

The museum houses materials from the most representative sites of the Vena del Gesso: protohistoric finds from the Grotta dei Banditi, artifacts from the Roman house of Carnè and the Lucerna quarry—the first known site in Italy for extracting lapis specularis—and medieval finds from the Castle of Rontana.

An educational video demonstrates the ancient technique of extracting Lapis Specularis, a transparent gypsum, using the dim light of a lantern. In the section dedicated to the relationship between humans and gypsum, the Venetian Tower also hosts a didactic section on the Middle Ages and Renaissance, focusing on the fortress itself.

Tickets:

• Combined ticket Rocca Manfrediana and Museo Ugonia
• Full price €5.00
• Reduced €4.00 for students aged 7–25 (with valid ID or university card)
• Free for children under 6, people with disabilities, and their companions

Civic Museum "Giuseppe Ugonia"

The museum houses the collection of the painter and lithographer Giuseppe Ugonia, as well as many works from local churches, including a large altarpiece by Guercino.

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