Rocca di Riolo Terme
The 14th-century fortress that Caterina Sforza had reinforced: today a museum about the landscape of the Faenza Apennines.
The Bolognese built it in 1388 to defend the town at the entrance to the Senio valley. A century later Riolo passed to the domains of Caterina Sforza, lady of Imola and Forlì, who had it enlarged and reinforced with the towers you see today.
The fortress has a tall keep, walls with walkways and an inner courtyard. Inside you'll find the museum of the Faenza Apennines landscape, with the rocks, plants and animals of the valley, and rooms dedicated to life in the fortress.
Caterina Sforza was also famous for her Experimenti, a collection of recipes for cosmetics, medicines and alchemy: the fortress commemorates her with themed activities and visits.
Riolo is a spa town: combine the fortress with a walk in the Terme park and the Vena del Gesso, which is just a few kilometres away.
Don't miss
- The keep and the patrol walkways
- The landscape museum
- The view over the Senio valley

- PeriodXIV-XVI century
- Opening hoursSeasonal opening hours, usually Thursday to Sunday; in summer also evening openings. Information and bookings 0546 77450.
- Phone+39 0546 77450
- AdmissionTicket
- Time neededabout an hour
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.
Getting to Riolo Terme
Romagna Transfer brings you here from the airport, the station or your hotel, with a driver and no parking worries.
Book your transferService by Romagna Transfer. Their site opens.
Other monuments nearby
11Rocca Manfrediana and Torre dell'Orologio
6,8 km away · Brisighella · XIV-XVI centuryFortresses and castlesPhoto: Gianni Careddu, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
13Via degli Asini
7,1 km away · Brisighella · XIV-XIX centuryVillages and towns FreePhoto: Vanni Lazzari, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
19Pieve del Thò
7,2 km away · Brisighella · X-XII centuryChurches and abbeys FreePhoto: Manuela Salaris, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
12Rocca Sforzesca di Imola
8,8 km away · Imola · XIII-XV centuryFortresses and castlesPhoto: Vanni Lazzari, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons