Top 3 Castles around Marradi

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.

On September 8, 896, Countess Ingelrada donated the town of Modigliana to her son Pietro, deacon of Ravenna. In 925, the castle of Modigliana fell under the control of Ingelrada II, daughter of Duke Martin of Ravenna. In the 10th century, Guido, founder of the Guidi counts, was made Count Palatine by Emperor Otto I of Saxony and received from him the county of Modigliana in Romagna. On September 28, 1164, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa confirmed possession of the castle of Modigliana to Guido Guerra. In 1166, the castle of Modigliana hosted Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and the empress, who gave birth to a son named Corrado there. On May 25, 1191, Emperor Henry VI of Swabia confirmed possession of the castle of Modigliana to the Guidi counts. On November 29, 1220, Emperor Frederick II confirmed possession of the castle of Modigliana to the Guidi counts. On March 21, 1230, following the division of the Guidi counts' patrimony, Modigliana was awarded to Guido and Tegrimo. In 1278, Modigliana was besieged by the Florentines. On June 14, 1362, Fiore di Guido di Domestico dei Conti Guidi da Modigliana surrendered to Florence along with his castles, including Modigliana. On August 7, 1377, Modigliana submitted to Florence, and following this event, the latter imposed the construction of a third wall (in addition to the first, not far from the fortress, and the second, intermediate one), several miles long and featuring 12 towers, terminating in an imposing gate, the "Tribuna," overlooking the Tramazzo River. In 1415, Modigliana was a first-class castle in the Florentine district. In 1440, Modigliana Castle was captured by the troops of Guidantonio Manfredi, who obtained a donation from the Visconti family. In 1445, Florence regained possession of Modigliana Castle. In 1502, Vitellozzo Vitelli conquered and plundered Modigliana Castle. Subsequently, the loss of its military function, the earthquake of 1661, followed by further strong tremors in 1773, led to its abandonment. In 1918, part of the circular keep collapsed, resulting in its vertical section. Source: Wikipedia

View from above of the municipality of Modigliana.

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