Sforza Fortress of Riolo Terme
This military fortification from the late fourteenth century has over time followed the evolution of late medieval offensive techniques. The Fortress “Rocca” di Riolo belongs to the type of “transition”, in which medieval and Renaissance architectural features are added: the moat and the trap holes for shooting pouncing, the chambers of maneuver with the ‘mouths of fire’ for the flanking shooting shot.
The visit unfolds on various levels and allows a full immersion into the Middle Ages and in history.
From the underground to the upper floors, passing through narrow tunnels, you descend into the realm of medieval knights wearing and holding the instruments of battle, you discover the war machines and hear the stories of Caterina Sforza.
In the hall of the well, the permanent installation I misteri di Caterina, dedicated to the exploits and loves of Caterina Sforza, transports the visitors into an interactive reality, calling them to interact with the Leonessa delle Romagne in person!
In the Mastio, there is the archaeological section, which houses artifacts dating from the Iron Age to the Roman era.
The section of the Museo del paesaggio dell’Appennino Faentino (Landscape Museum of the Faenza Apennines) offers a broad view of the surrounding hilly landscape, with gullies and chalk outcrops, observable with binoculars.
Being the Centro di Documentazione del Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola (Documentation Center of the Regional Park of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola), the Rocca is an important center of studies, discoveries and activities, a museum of the territory continuously evolving!
The rooms of the Rocca can be reserved for organizing birthdays, private parties, work moments … and even weddings!
