Riolo’s fortress

The Fortress of Riolo Terme is a fortress located in the historic center of the city, in the province of Ravenna. It was built in 1388 by the Bolognese government as a defensive bulwark to protect the village from enemy attacks.

The first core of the fortress consisted of a square tower, four meters high on each side. The tower was built of wood and had floors connected by retractable stairs. The entrance was located between the first and second floors, so that armigers could take refuge inside in case of attack. During the 15th century, under the rule of the Manfredi lords, the fortress was adapted to new military strategies. A city wall, with circular towers, was built to increase defense in case of bombardment attacks.

In 1474, Riolo became the capital of the Senio valley. Charles II Manfred had the keep, the highest part of the fortress, renovated on all its sides. He also had masonry stairs built and a water well dug on the ground floor of the Keep.

In 1478, Riolo became part of the Riario Sforza government. The family made minor changes to the fortress, such as inserting inframents in the moat, building a small keep and a rescue hatch. In 1504, Riolo fell to the Papal State at the hands of Giovanni Sassatelli.

The Fortress of Riolo Terme today is an important historical and cultural monument. It can be visited and houses a civic museum inside.
In 1989, the fortress was declared a national monument.

The Museum of the Landscape of the Apennines is a civic museum that tells the story of the Faenza Apennine territory from a landscape, historical and cultural point of view. It was opened in 2006, with exhibition route is designed by architect Mario Cucinella.

The exhibition is divided into four sections:

• History of the Fortress, which tells the story of the fortress from the Middle Ages to the present day.
• The landscape of the Apennines, illustrating the geology, flora and fauna of the region.
• The history of man in the Apennines, which traces the main stages of human history in the area.
• The cultural heritage of the Apennines, featuring works of art, artifacts and historical documents related to the area.

Among other sections, the museum also houses a specialized library on the history and culture of the Apennines.

The Museum of the Apennine Landscape offers a range of educational and cultural activities, aimed at children, families and adults. Among them:

• Guided tours, which provide insight into the history and collections of the museum.
• Educational workshops, which allow children to actively experience the museum’s themes.
• Cultural events, such as lectures, concerts, and temporary exhibitions.

The Museum of the Apennine Landscape is an important resource for learning about the territory of the Faenza Apennines. It is a great place to discover the history, nature and culture of this fascinating region.