Temporarily Closed

Emilia Romagna Castles

Rocca di Meldola

The fortress on a rocky outcrop overlooking Meldola a few kilometres from Forlì - probably dating back to the 10th-11th centuries - presents itself starting from Via alla Rocca with a wide and low stepped access ramp. Along the south-east side, the cypress courtyard, the bell tower decorated with merlons and corbels, the donjon tower and the small adjacent tower develop in succession.
In 1995, the Municipality of Meldola began work on the recovery of the entire architectural complex, which is currently under restoration.

A bit of History

The exact date of construction of this mighty architectural complex overlooking the town of Meldola is unknown, however, we know of its existence since the 11th century. In 900 AD the castle belonged to the territories under the jurisdiction of the Church of Ravenna. In the 12th century the building came under the rule of Cavalconte I of Bertinoro and then Count Lamberto. Malatesta Novello was responsible for the expansion of the original nucleus and further work to strengthen the walls on the eastern side. In 1500 Pandolfo IV Malatesta sold Meldola to Cesare Borgia.

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Between 1503 and 1509, under the rule of the Venetian Republic, the fortress underwent some renovations that allowed its transformation from a military garrison to a noble residence. Around 1535, Count Pio da Carpi significantly expanded the entire complex, enriching it with works of art. The fortress then passed into the hands of the Aldobrandini and Doria Pamphilij families. In 1797, during the Napoleonic occupation, it was stripped of its rich furnishings. The 1870 earthquake seriously damaged the building. In 1995, the Municipality of Meldola began work to restore the entire architectural complex.

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