Castles near Anzola Dell'Emilia offer a connection to the region's ancient history, dating back over 3300 years. The area is home to historical remnants like the Tower of King Enzo, which stands as the only remaining evidence of the ancient castle of the Lords of these lands. This 13th-century tower is notable for its role in the imprisonment of King Enzo, son of Emperor Frederick II, in 1249. The surrounding region features a landscape shaped by medieval conflicts and historical…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Very nice. We visited it along Via dei Brentatori; if you're looking for the credential stamp, the museum should have it. Check the opening hours, because we arrived late, unfortunately.
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Having belonged to the Rangoni marquises for over 650 years, in 2005 the fortress was purchased by the municipality of Spilamberto which began the restoration process. The first works began in 2011 and allowed the courtyard and some spaces connected to it to be restored to its ancient beauty and made usable. The new square in front of the fortress was inaugurated in 2017. The fortress is located in a park that is almost always open and perfect for walks.
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The fortress was commissioned by Countess Matilde of Canossa but its current form is the one attributed to it towards the end of the 15th century by the Bentivoglio family, a rich and important family in the history of Bologna. In 1779 the poet Ugo Foscolo was also a guest there. A forced guest as he resided there as a prisoner. Since 2007, the Rocca has been home to the Rocca dei Bentivoglio Foundation, which organizes various events and cultural activities not only in Bazzano, but in various locations in the Bolognese Hills. It is also home to the "Arsenio Crespellani" Civic Archaeological Museum where it is possible to discover the history of the area since the Bronze Age. https://www.bolognawelcome.com/it/luoghi/torri-edifici-storici/rocca-di-bazzano
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The Malvasia Castle dates back to the end of the sixteenth century and is characterized by an accentuated horizontal trend, the only vertical elements are the towers.
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The year of construction of the oldest castle in Bazzano is not known precisely, of which no traces remain. However, in a document dating back to 1019 the castrum of Bazzano is mentioned, referring to the phenomenon of the castle that occurred during the 10th century. In 1038 the bishop of Modena granted the curtis of Bazzano in emphyteusis to the marquis Bonifacio of Canossa, father of Matilde. Although not mentioned among the Matilda castles in the ancient biographies dedicated to the countess, the Bazzano building is linked to Matilda by a legend that has survived in popular traditions: it is said, in fact, that Bazzano was connected to the Monteveglio castle via an underground tunnel, inside which the golden armor of the warrior countess and some chests containing precious objects would be hidden. ... Throughout the fourteenth century and until the first half of the fifteenth century, dominion over the castle was alternately in the hands of the Bolognese, the Viscontis and the Papal State. In 1473 the palatium and the surrounding land were donated to Giovanni II Bentivoglio, lord of Bologna. The Bentivoglios made significant changes to the building, incorporating the late thirteenth-century military structures into a stately palace, one of the "delights" that the Bentivoglios owned in the Bolognese area and frequented occasionally during holidays and holiday periods. In 1490 the works were completed and the palace remained the property of the Bentivoglio family until 1506, when they were expelled from Bologna. ... Ugo Foscolo, then lieutenant of the Bolognese national guard, captured by the Austrian hussars who had overthrown the Bazzano municipality, was imprisoned in the prisons of the Rocca in 1799. In memory of this event, the name of the so-called "Foscolo cell" remains, located on the ground floor of the fortress, to the right of the loggia. (Source: https://www.wikiwand.com/it/Rocca_dei_Bentivoglio#/Storia)
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Beautiful village where you can still breathe the air of the Middle Ages, culminating in an ancient abbey with an adjoining monastery. The walls that line the village are also beautiful and welcome you from a door that really seems to take you back in time.
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The original structure, a watchtower, was part of the fortification built by the Municipality of Modena, in 1210, to control the Bolognese border and the course of the Panaro. The architectural layout, as a fortified place, a quadrilateral with corner towers and orthogonal streets to each other, expanded after the feudal concession of the Castle to the Rangoni nobles
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north of the via emilia, a pleasant parallel runs that connects Gaggio to Riolo, from which you can admire this beautiful village. Always passable asphalted road
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The castles and historical sites in the Anzola Dell'Emilia region reflect centuries of medieval conflicts and power struggles. For example, the Rocca dei Bentivoglio has origins dating back to the 10th century and was shaped by the influential Bentivoglio family. The Monteveglio Village and Abbey was a significant stronghold during the struggles between Bologna and Modena. Even the Tower of King Enzo in Anzola itself is a poignant reminder of the 13th-century conflicts and the imprisonment of King Enzo, son of Emperor Frederick II.
Yes, several castles in the area are considered family-friendly. Rocca Rangoni in Spilamberto is set within a park that is almost always open, perfect for walks with children. The Rocca dei Bentivoglio houses the 'Arsenio Crespellani' Civic Archaeological Museum, which can be an engaging experience for families interested in local history. The Malvasia Castle of Panzano also offers a historical setting within a small village.
The region around Anzola Dell'Emilia offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including easy loops from Sala Bolognese or Calcara. For those who enjoy running, there are several running trails, such as loops around the Carpigiani Gelato Museum. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find MTB trails ranging from moderate to difficult, like the Scuderie Orsi-Mangelli loop.
The Tower of King Enzo is a significant historical landmark in Anzola Dell'Emilia, being the only remaining evidence of the ancient castle of the Lords of these lands. While its historical importance is immense, particularly regarding King Enzo's imprisonment in 1249, the tower itself belongs to private owners and is not open for interior visits. However, you can still appreciate its exterior and historical context.
The Rocca dei Bentivoglio is a notable example, housing the 'Arsenio Crespellani' Civic Archaeological Museum. This museum allows visitors to delve into the history of the area from the Bronze Age onwards. The Rocca also serves as a cultural hub, with the Rocca dei Bentivoglio Foundation organizing various events and activities.
Yes, the Monteveglio Village and Abbey is an excellent choice. Its castle origins date back to around the year 1000, and it was once a crucial stronghold. The fortified village and the ancient Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta provide a deep connection to the region's ancient history and the struggles it faced.
Rocca Rangoni originated as a watchtower in 1210 to control the Bolognese border. It was owned by the Rangoni marquises for over 650 years. The municipality of Spilamberto purchased it in 2005 and has been undertaking restoration efforts, making the courtyard and some spaces accessible. It's located within a park that is generally open for visitors to enjoy walks.
While specific cafes or restaurants within the castle grounds are not always guaranteed, many of these historical sites are located in or near villages and towns. For instance, the Malvasia Castle of Panzano is part of the historical nucleus of the small village of Panzano, where you would typically find local eateries. Similarly, the Monteveglio Village and Abbey is within a charming fortified village that likely offers dining options.
Visitors appreciate the tangible connection to medieval Italian history and the dramatic tales associated with these sites. The architectural beauty, the insights into past struggles and alliances, and the opportunity to imagine historical events within their walls are frequently highlighted. The presence of museums, like the one at Rocca dei Bentivoglio, also adds to the visitor experience, offering deeper historical context.
While the Tower of King Enzo in Anzola Dell'Emilia is not open for interior visits, its historical significance as the last vestige of Anzola's ancient castle makes it a compelling, perhaps lesser-explored, site for those interested in medieval heritage. For a more complete experience, the Malvasia Castle of Panzano, with its late 16th-century architecture, offers a charming visit within a small village setting, away from potentially larger crowds.
Yes, the Monteveglio Village and Abbey is strongly associated with Countess Matilda. It was once considered the most important and impregnable stronghold of Matilda in the area. While the Rocca dei Bentivoglio is sometimes linked to her in popular tradition, its current form was largely shaped by the Bentivoglio family.


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