Rocca Estense

Lugo was a small capital of the Este family, the dukes of Ferrara, who ruled it from the 15th century until 1598. The rocca, whose origins are medieval, was enlarged and transformed during those years into a modern fortress, with the keep, towers and moat.

Today it is Lugo's town hall: inside are the mayor's offices, the Salone Estense and the state rooms. The best part is at the top: above the ramparts there is a hanging garden, a lawn with plants and benches from which you can see the square and the Pavaglione.

In front of the rocca stands the monument to Francesco Baracca, the Italian flying ace of the First World War who was born in Lugo. The prancing horse he painted on his aeroplane was given by his mother to Enzo Ferrari, and today it is the symbol of Ferrari.

The garden and rooms can be visited on request, with free admission: call the town hall or the Bassa Romagna tourist office. Combine it with the Pavaglione and the Museo Baracca.