Top 7 Castles around Dozza

...the origins of the fortress of Imola date back to 1261, when the municipality decided to build a fortress to defend the city. ... The fortress then had a quadrangular perimeter with nine square towers, four at the corners and four at the center of each curtain wall, plus an entrance tower on the eastern side and a mighty central keep. In the second half of the 15th century, the transformation of the medieval fortress into a new structure capable of withstanding the destructive power of modern artillery began. ... Beginning in 1480, the square corner towers were incorporated into new, thicker circular towers capable of withstanding bombardment, and construction of an internal residence began. The crisis of the Riario-Sforza lordship and the siege of the fortress launched in 1499 by Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino, decreed the return of direct papal rule. ... With the definitive annexation of Imola to the Papal States, the fortress's use as a prison intensified, a situation that continued until 1958, when restoration work began and the Sforza monument was converted into a museum. (Source: https://imolamusei.it/rocca-sforzesca/ )

This medieval village is located on the first hills of Imola. The village is surrounded by ancient walls, a fortress and a tower. Always a nice surprise for those who pass through these parts.

Tossignano is an ancient village that develops on a chalky cliff around the ruins of the fortress. The name derives from the Roman toponym Thausignanum, while in more recent times a large part of Tossignano was razed to the ground by bombings during the Second World War, including the fortress. It stood in a strategic position, from which it dominated the entire valley: for this reason it is now a notable panoramic point. Today only the moat and the foundations of the drawbridge can be seen.

In the center of Imola stands the Rocca Sforzesca: a medieval castle. This is a fine example of fortified architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

The Tower and the Cassero della Porta are the symbolic monument of the city, which officially sanctions its birth in 1199 as a bulwark for the defense of the territory of Bologna ... The tower was originally lower ... probably at the end of 1200 it was raised to perform the function of lookout and signaling. The Cassero, seat of the surveillance of the door and the mechanisms of the drawbridge, was perhaps first made of wood and then transformed over and over again according to the military needs of the militias who, century after century, conquered it and used it as a main defense outpost against the enemies. In the early sixteenth century, when Bologna and Imola pass under the Papal State, the Cassero definitively loses its military connotation. Around 1748, work was carried out to remake the roof (perhaps by transforming the roof terrace into one with two pitches), a very large and high room is obtained. It was decided to use it as a place for "public entertainment". It is the beginning of its use as a theater, which will be modified and expanded in 1830, structuring it with stages like the theaters of the time. In 1780 ... the current passage under the tower was opened. During the First World War the Cassero was used as a military accommodation. In 1916 it was struck by lightning and again renovated and used as a room for film projections, meetings, conferences. In 1964 the ancient passage, with a Gothic arch, overlooking the ancient drawbridge was reopened. Since 2008, a new renovation has brought it back to its ancient use as a theater. In 1842 the tower was equipped with a new and larger belfry and in 1784 with a clock, which after a few years, in 1797, would have to be changed to switch from "Italian time" to "French time". (Source: https://prolococastelsanpietroterme.it/it/monumento/cassero/)

Places of historical, cultural and architectural interest Restored 14th-century stone castle, home to a museum displaying pottery and weaponry Piazzale Giovanni Dalle Bande Nere, 40026 Imola BO http://museiciviciciimola.it/ 0542602609

Ancient Sforza fortress of Caterina Sforza, a very suggestive monument in the evening

Such a nice surprise!!!