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Historical monuments of Romagna / Province of Ravenna

2222 of 33 · Province of Ravenna Fortresses and castles Free

Rocca Brancaleone

The Venetian fortress a stone's throw from the station, now a large public garden and summer performance arena.

When the Venetians took Ravenna in 1441, they decided to fortify it. In 1457 they began building this fortress on the north side of the city, right against the walls and the river: a proper stronghold and citadel, with round towers designed to withstand artillery.

It was an active fortress for only a few decades. In the 18th and 19th centuries its walls were partly dismantled and the bricks reused in the city; what remains is still impressive, with the bastions intact.

Today the citadel is a green park, with lawns and trees, frequented by Ravenna residents for jogging or reading in the shade. The interior of the fortress itself is an open-air arena where concerts and performances are held in summer, including events from the Ravenna Festival.

Admission is free and it's a five-minute walk from the station: a good first stop if you arrive by train.

Don't miss

  1. The Venetian round towers
  2. The citadel park
  3. A summer performance in the arena
Rocca Brancaleone, Ravenna
Rocca Brancaleone, Ravenna · Photo: Gennari Alessandro, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Official site Call Send a postcard

Opening hours and phone numbers read on the official sites on 14 October 2026. They change with the seasons and holidays: always check before you go.

On the castles page

Getting to Ravenna

Romagna Transfer brings you here from the airport, the station or your hotel, with a driver and no parking worries.

Book your transfer

Service by Romagna Transfer. Their site opens.

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