The walls visible today along the edges of the town are what remains of the Castrum Solaroli after the bombings of the Second World War.
The castle is already mentioned in written sources from the 10th century, guarding a stretch of plain crossed by the Via Emilia and the River Senio. Between the 14th and 15th centuries the fortress was at various times controlled by the Manfredi family, lords of Faenza, who strengthened and expanded the fortifications, especially in the second half of the 15th century, as part of the Manfredi architectural renewal that affected the entire Faenza area. During this period, the fortress also served a residential function for Astorgio II Manfredi, as did other fortified settlements in the countryside.
Like the fortress of Castel Bolognese, the castle of Solarolo was occupied by Cesare Borgia, and later by the Venetians and the Gonzaga family, confirming the strong strategic interest in this territorial stronghold.
The walls still visible today were built in brick in the second half of the 15th century and partially follow the layout of the wooden palisade that marked the castle’s outer defences in the previous century. Despite numerous alterations and restorations, the walls retain their original structure, with an escarpment, string course and reinforcing arches at the base.
