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Emilia Romagna castles, palaces and mansions

The Emilia Romagna region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Emilia Romagna region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Riccione - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Agolanti

Also known by the name of “Tomb”, it is a fortification built in the fourteenth century by the will of the Agolanti family and linked to the fate of this family until the 18th century. The sources of the time referred to this structure as “one of the most beautiful buildings in the Rimini area” (Ubaldo Antonio Marchi, 1973). Given its strategic position, in 1743 it became headquarters of the Austrian army. After several hand-shifts, earthquakes, in 1982 it became the property of the municipal administration and extensive renovations were required.

Rimini - Castles, palaces and mansions

Domus del chirurgo

After 18 years of restoration, the Surgeon's Domus was returned to the city of Rimini. It is a Roman house dating back to the II AD. Characterized by two floors, the small entrance leads to a corridor, on the side of which there is an interior garden and on the other side extended the various rooms. Following the excavations and studies of Domus it is possible to bring the home back to a military doctor from Eastern origin who was probably called Eutyches.

Brisighella - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Manfrediana e Veneziana

The Manfrediana and Venetian Fortress dates back to two different periods: the “Venetian Tower” dates back to the 16th century, instead the “Torricino” to 1300. Its name is due to the fact that it was built by two different families: the Manfredi and the Venetians. Thanks to continuous restorations and maintenance throughout the complex, this construction is one of the best preserved examples of military castle in the entire area.

Piacenza - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Farnese

The Farnese Palace located in Piazza Cittadella is the most important monument in the city of Piacenza and is located on the edge of the city to the north, separated from the inhabitants. At the origin of the construction lies the firm determination of Margaret of Austria, wife of Ottavio Farnese.Lately the palace has been expanded into different sections: sculptures, weapons, archaeology, glass and ceramics, farnesian carriages and glories. The building is divided according to different functions. Currently, Palazzo Farnese houses the collections of the civic museum.

Bardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bardi

The Castle of Bardi was built around the 13th century at the behest of Ubertino Landi, Count Piacenza. The fortress was born with the function of defence and protection of the Ceno and Taro valleys. The structure is impressive, and in the past it was able to accommodate up to four hundred people, as well as welcoming soldiers with spaces dedicated to them. Around 1400 the outer towers were added and kitchens and torture rooms were used in the basement parts of the building.

Parme - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace was built in 1561 at the behest of Duke Ottavio Farnese and was the seat of the ducal court until the second half of the '600. It represents the symbol of the city of Parma and is one of the most fascinating monuments of Italian art. The initial construction carried the signature of Jacopo Baruzzi, known as the Vignola. During the 18th century, construction work was carried out by Ennemond Petitot to give it a more classic look. From the 800 to the present day, the Palace has not undergone substantial changes.

Cesena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Comunale

Also called Albornoz Palace, named after the Spanish Cardinal Gil Álvarez Carrillo de Albornoz which began its construction in the fourteenth century, the building as it is today is the result of the union of two old buildings: the Public Palace and the Palace of the Governor. Overlooking the Piazza del Popolo, are kept within the original eighteenth-century furnishings of fine workmanship. Of particular impact those that adorn the so-called Hall of Mirrors.

Cesena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Malatestiana

Building constructed immediately behind the town, that had a troubled genesis, in the course of the century necessary for its realization, its appearance has changed several times. The building plan is roughly pentagonal, is characterized by five towers that identify immediately the military character of the complex, used, later, as a prison until 1969. The view of the city of Cesena is exceptional, which can be enjoyed from its superior walkways.

Imola - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Sforzesca

The Rocca Sforzesca was erected in the 13th century and is located in the historic center of Imola. The oldest parts such as the arched portal with pointed sixth, the terrace and one of the towers with a rectangular plan are still preserved. In the second half of the 15th century, some structures were added, including the gunships with emblems of the Sforza lordship and residential environments. Between the 16th and 20th century it was used as a prison. Currently, the interiors that preserve different materials from the time of the noble Milanese family can be visited.

Ravenna - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo di Teodorico

When we talk about the Palazzetto of Teodorico, we want to indicate the architectural remains sites which are not far from the church of Sant 'Apollinare Nuovo. According to many researchers, the remains would belong to a guard or, in the opinion of others, an atrium-porch in front of the church dedicated to San Salvatore ad Calchi. At the round tower, you can admire the remains of some mosaic floors found during the archaeological excavations.

Bologne - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava

Commissioned by Bartolomeo Ghisilardi and designed by Zilio Montanari, it was erected between 1484 and 1491. The Palace is in line, at an architectural level with the style of Palazzo Bentivoglio; in the center of the courtyard there is a tower house prior to the construction of the same house, called the Tower of Acknowledgments. Today the palace houses the Medieval Civic Museum and the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, as well as the Carracci Fava Literary Cafe.

Bologne - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Fantuzzi

The building commissioned by the Fantuzzi family, is distinguished by the presence of two elephants on the facade. The elephants reminded Hannibal, from which the family supported descending. The building covered in strong and provocative rusticated, the very square windows, make think of a paternity of the architect Serio, perhaps the only example of his architecture in the city. Instead, the interiors are designed by the architect Bartolomeo di Domenico Peruzzi, a wonderful example of a sixteenth-century residence.

Bologne - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Mercanzia

The palace overlooks the homonymous square, is also known as Palazzo del Carrobbio or Loggia dei Mercanti. Work on its construction was completed in 1391. The building was intended to host the Merchants' Forum, with the court attached. It appears as a set of styles, from Lombard to Gothic to classicism - naturalistic. The upper floors can be reached via a staircase built in 1857, when the building underwent a general renovation, with the redistribution of the interior spaces.

San Marino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Governo

Known by the name of Palazzo Pubblico, it is the place of official ceremonies and institutional and administrative bodies. It stands on the ground of the old building, the Domus Magna Comunis, knocked down at the end of the '800. Designed by the architect Francesco Azzurri and erected between 1884 and 1894 with an inaugural speech by Carducci, it traces the austere style of the municipal palaces of 1300 and is depicted on the 2 euro coin.

Riccione - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Mussolini

Initially called Villa Margherita, it bears the unmistakable name of the famous family that inhabited it. Located on Viale Milano 31, with a direct outlet to the beach, it was the house chosen by women Rachele for the summer holidays of the duce, knowing the passage of important statesmen and distinguished men visiting the fascist dictator. In 1997 it became the property of the Cassa di Risparmio di Rimini and assigned to the Municipality of Riccione on a free loan that made it available for exhibitions and exhibitions.

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