Bologna the red one, Bologna the city of arcades. There are countless nicknames for the Emilian city but they do not compensate for its majesty. Getting lost in the alleys illuminated by the light of the sunset, Bologna opens up before the visitor's eyes. However, the surrounding area offers the same possibilities to be enchanted. You just need to know where to look. Peacefully perch in magical areas, i castles that surround the territory of Bologna are all to be discovered.
But what beautiful castles ...
In the village of Castelluccio, in the province of Bologna, the Manservisi Castle. And once upon a time, the noble Nanni Levera family owned the architectural complex which was renovated by Alessandro Manservisi at the end of the nineteenth century. Emblem of romantic architecture and reference to the neo-medieval period, the Castle protects the park and the courtyard, with its imposing surrounding walls. On the contrary, the interior architecture is welcoming and luxurious, representative of the skill of its builders. They often organize art exhibitions inside. Instead, dating back to 1475, the Bentivoglio Castle jealously guards inside sixteenth-century frescoes. Residence destined for leisure and entertainment, the Bentivoglio noble Bolognese family transmitted love and passion to it.
Stories that intertwine within the castles
In an intertwining between Roman and medieval history, the Serravalle Castle leaves visitors speechless. Destroyed in the XNUMXth century by Lombard, the fortified village was able to enjoy a second chance. In fact, from the ashes of the Roman foundations, the castle was indomitable. Its impregnable walls gave asylum to the famous leader Charlemagne. Later, after the domination of Matilde di Canossa, Modena and Bologna fought for it. The Ghibelline Modena managed to assert itself over the Bolognese Guelphs. In the XNUMXth century, the village passed under the leadership of the Boccadiferro family. And the legends began. Could castles ever be castles without having ghosts inside them? For this reason, it is said that the souls in pain of Boccadiferro's wives wander around the castle. And they seek revenge. Boccadiferro's ghost also hangs in the air of the castle, killed by his thirteenth wife.
The Castle of San Martino in Soverzano
Last but not least, the Castle of San Martino in Soverzano is an elegant structure in the municipality of Minerbio. To access it, it is necessary to cross the moat via the two drawbridges. The Bolognese knight Bartolomeo Manzoli wanted it to be built. He chose this area where an ancient defense tower previously stood. Dating back to the thirteenth century, its name was Torre degli Ariosti. And it can be said that he still lives thanks to the Castle. Although it has been kept in excellent condition, it has required restorations. This did not diminish its beauty, undermining it. But, on the contrary, it made it even more beautiful. The mighty manor of San Martino in Soverzano, together with those previously mentioned, enriches the Bolognese territory, celebrating its splendor and battles, history and entertainment.
Castles always manage to make us dream!
