Brisighella, the fortress that comes from the Middle Ages

Rocca Manfrediana and Veneziana of Brisighella: this castle of Emilia Romagna has a very long name. Che, located in the province of Ravenna, has fascinated the eyes of young and old for many centuries. Built in the early XNUMXth century, then restored in the mid-XNUMXth century, this splendid fortification overlooks the Vein of Gypsum and the Lamone valley. It has an imposing appearance, the charm of the past. And a truly unique beauty.

The history of the Rocca di Brisighella

It is located on one of the three hills that dominate the homonymous village, la Fortress of Brisighella. Commissioned in 1310 by the gods family Manfredi, lords of Faenza, remained their property until 1500. It passed for three years to Cesare Borgia, and then to the Venetians who erected the keep and two sides of the walls. Finally, it entered the property of the Papal State. For a short time torn from the Pope by Napoleon, returned to the Church and - most recently - joined the Kingdom of Italy (in 1860). The medieval aspect seems to be that of the past, but it is the result of an accurate one restoration staged at the beginning of the XNUMXst century. Even today you can admire the openings and walkways, and all the typical elements of fourteenth-century military architecture. However, the walls and walkways have been restored, and every original aspect has been highlighted. The result? The Rocca di Brisighella is an extraordinary testimony ofmedieval period architecture. And it is the evocative seat of a museum, Man and Gypsum, which tells the relationship of man with chalk and with that territory of which he has marked the wealth.

Climb the access ladder to the Manfrediana Tower and a real journey through history takes place. You can admire the ancient finds from the Grotta dei Banditi, the materials of the Roman house of Carnè (the first quarry of specular pencil identified in Italy) and those of the castle of Rontana. There Venetian Tower instead it tells the story of the castle while, in the south-eastern tower, you can see the reconstructions of a kitchen and a bedroom. So as to immerse yourself a little more in court life. Especially if you come here at the beginning of June, when the "Medieval festival”With peasants and musicians, storytellers and jesters.

What to see in the village

Built close to a chalky cliff, the whole village of Brisighella worth a visit. Not only the overhanging Rocca, but also - always in a dominant position - the Clock tower and the Monticino Sanctuary. Going down to the valley, in the heart of the village, Piazza Marconi is the home of Maghinardo Palace. But the real draw is via del Borgo (or via degli Asini), an elevated road unique in the world with those crescent-shaped arches of different widths that cover and protect it. Today a tourist destination, once the buggers used to travel there to transport chalk on their donkeys (hence the name). And if you can't miss a walk here, you can't miss a visit to the church of the Osservanza with its extraordinary ceramics.

After a walk in the village, we sit in the restaurant. And you can taste the typical stuffed soup. The gross spoja, this is its name, is prepared by spreading a mixture of ricotta, raveggiolo, parmesan, eggs and nutmeg on a veil of egg pasta. The whole is closed and cooked in the beef and chicken broth. To take home a delicious souvenir, however, you are spoiled for choice: dop olive oil, Moretto artichoke, cheese aged in chalk caves or Mora romagnola meat. Exquisite memories of a journey into the past.

Source of photo evidence: Panorama of Brisighella - credit Gianni Careddu - CC BY-SA 4.0