Rocca di Forlimpopoli

The fortress stands at the heart of Forlimpopoli, the ancient Roman Forum Livii. It was built from 1360 onwards at the behest of Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, who had destroyed the rebellious city, and later strengthened by the Ordelaffi and Riario families: a square plan with four corner towers and a moat, still intact today amidst the houses.

On the ground floor you'll find the MAF, the archaeological museum dedicated to Tobia Aldini, recently renovated: it tells the story of the city from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with amphorae produced in the local Roman kilns, mosaics and grave goods. It's one of the most carefully curated archaeological museums in Romagna, designed with young people in mind too.

Inside the fortress you'll also find the town hall and the Teatro Comunale Giuseppe Verdi, linked to a famous episode: in 1851 the gang of the brigand Stefano Pelloni, known as il Passatore, burst in during a performance and robbed the audience and the homes of local notables, including that of Pellegrino Artusi's family.

A few steps away is Casa Artusi: Forlimpopoli is the city of the father of Italian cuisine, and in late June the Festa Artusiana fills the fortress and streets with food and entertainment.