Fortezza di Castrocaro

The fortress stands on a spur of spungone, the yellow rock typical of these hills, above the village of Castrocaro. The first records date from the 10th century; it then passed to the counts of Castrocaro, the Ordelaffi family, the Church and finally, from the 15th century, to Florence, which made it a stronghold of Tuscan Romagna and reinforced it with bastions.

Your visit is a journey in three parts: the Girone, the oldest nucleus at the top, the Cassero with its tower and the castellan's quarters, and the lower section with the Medici arsenals. Inside you'll find a small museum with weapons, ceramics and objects from fortress life uncovered during excavations.

From the ramparts the view embraces the entire Montone valley, as far as Terra del Sole and the Forlì plain. In summer the fortress hosts evening openings, re-enactments and performances: climbing up at sunset is the best idea.

From the village you walk up a steep, paved road through the houses of the medieval borgo. Combine your visit with Terra del Sole and the Padiglione delle Feste at the spa, all just a few minutes away.