Top 3 Castles around Marradi

The fortification, made of stone and mortar, was built around the year 1000 (11th century), probably at the behest of the Counts Calboli di Calbola. ... From its origin, the purpose of the construction was to defend the ancient medieval village from enemies, as well as to control the Apennine passes in the area. ... Due to the earthquake of 1661, the Castellaccio was largely destroyed. Of the original, extensive castle, only its robust 15-meter-high tower (the castle's keep), an ancient watchtower, and large portions of the recently uncovered curtain wall remain. The building can only be visited from the outside. The site is currently undergoing restoration work and access to the surrounding area is not possible. (Source: https://www.romagnatoscanaturismo.it/arte-cultura-storia/castellaccio/ )

Modigliana overlooks a historic town in the so-called Tuscan Romagna (until 1923 it was in the province of Florence), a place of enchantment and the birthplace of the painter Silvestro Lega, author of famous portraits of Mazzini and Garibaldi, to whom the civic art gallery in the Palazzo Pretorio, which once belonged to the Guidi counts, was dedicated: the typical sweet, the mandorlato, is a must-try.

Premilcuore, like many other villages in the area, experienced its period of maximum expansion around the 13th and 14th centuries under the dominion of the Guidi family. In this period the castle known as Rocca di Premilcuore was built, today not much remains of this structure except one of the doors and remains of the walls incorporated into other buildings in subsequent periods. The life of Premilcuore is linked to the course of the Rabbi river. Today the river is a popular summer destination to escape the heat, while in the past the watercourse served to irrigate the surrounding fields and gave power to various mills in the area, two of which are still visible near the town.

Portico di Romagna is a quiet town on the banks of the Montone river. Despite its small size, the town played a very important role in medieval and Renaissance history thanks to its strategic position. Under the rule of the Guidi family it reached its maximum extension, becoming a fortified citadel complete with a castle, of which today only a tower remains. History and legend meet among the cobbled streets of this village: it is said that it was here that Dante met Beatrice for the first time. In fact, Folco Portinari, Beatrice's father, had a summer residence here where it is believed Dante was hosted while fleeing from Florence.

The origins of Premilcuore are mysterious, although there are several versions and legends about its foundation. The most fascinating and imaginative version is linked to the legend of the Roman soldier named Marcello, who fled Rome at the time of Caracalla, because he was part of a conspiracy against the emperor, and who found refuge in these places. Marcello fortified the small villages already existing, one of which, the current via Marciolame, is named in honor of its founder. And even the name of Premilcuore seems to date back to “PREMIT COR” (“pain oppresses our hearts” for the death of their benefactor) or to “PREMUNT COR” (“rather than hand him over we would tear out our hearts” because the Roman captain was wanted to be killed). (Source: http://www.turismopremilcuore.it/scopri-premilcuore/storia/ )

The Tribuna, a semicircular tower construction, which overlooks the Tramazzo stream generating a suggestive vision, served as the main entrance to the castle and was placed in defense of the medieval citadel of Modigliana. Unique in its appearance, it consists of two bell towers: on the right tower there is a clock, the original was replaced in 1845 by a more modern one made by a specialist in the sector, Domenico Cavina from Modigliano. The left tower was built later to give symmetry to the structure. The central aedicule was erected to protect the statue of the Madonna del Cantone, protector of Modigliana, which was created by the well-known Bolognese sculptor Giuseppe Molli in 1678.

Very nice, small, old town