Rocca Sforzesca

The origins of the castle date back to the 11th century, but it was only in 1388 that the Bolognese established the construction of a new free borough to oversee the Senio Valley. During this phase, the existing tower was reinforced to defend the new settlement.

During the Renaissance, under the rule of Carlo II Manfredi, lord of Faenza, the Rocca di Riolo acquired its fortified shape, with his coat of arms still visible on the square tower. The castle was modernized to withstand 15th-century military techniques, with the addition of a moat, corner towers, and reinforced walls. In one of the rooms, a bombarda marked "Karolus S. de Manfredis" from 1474 is displayed, a highly advanced artillery piece used to repel the assault of the Landsknechts.

In 1481 the Rocca passed to Girolamo Riario, lord of Imola and Forlì, and husband of Caterina Sforza, who became regent of the Romagna territories after her husband’s death. The visible complex today features four corner towers, including the imposing keep with a square base, 22 m high, spread over four levels: a basement, a courtyard level, a battlement level, and an attic.

Here comes to life the story of Caterina Sforza, the Tiger of Romagna, with alambics, recipes, battles, and court intrigues, through themed guided tours and costumed experiences. Tunnels, armor, multimedia paths, and archaeological finds provide a sensory and immersive journey.

Since 2005, the Rocca has hosted the Museo del Paesaggio dell'Appennino Faentino and serves as a documentation center for the Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola. In the keep, an archaeological section displays artifacts dating from the Iron Age to the Roman period. Inside, the castle hosts exhibitions, musical programs, film screenings, historical and cultural meetings, gastronomic events, guided tours, and creative workshops.

The tower and the guard walkways offer privileged viewpoints to admire the landscape of the Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola.