You can put this video on your website by simply copying and placing the following embed code on your page:
Castello di Predappio Alta
Ancient documents refer to an area here called the ‘Castrum Petre Appi’ which was the property of a noble family from Forlì called Calboli in the year 909. This fortified construction though also commonly known as the ‘Rocca’ was erected in 1292 by Giovanni d’Appia who obtained the feudal stronghold from Pope Martino IV.
The general layout of the castle has changed little since its original structure illustrated with two towers on the corners, thick strong walls and the houses of the village at its feet.
Giovanni d’Appia received the generous papal offer in exchange for bringing the city of Forlì that fell under the Ghibelline forces back into the church.
In 1382 Francesco de’Calboli donated Predappio to the Republic of Florence, that eventually became a municipality but in the same year it was conquered by Giorgio Ordelaffi. At one time during the 1300s the Orgogliosi clan were also the key holders. Thus, the history of the castle is tied to the struggle between the Guelfe forces and those of the Ghibellini from the aristocratic families in Forlì.
This modern looking tower has nothing do with the castle and merely built as a gesture to the historic connections of the real fortress here. A sign on the tower shows it was constructed in the 12th year of the Fascist era, 1935, and dedicated to the memory of Arnaldo and Sandro Mussolini.
In short though, this fortress was strictly a garrison in the strategic sense rather than a defensive one since the main road to Forlì passed by here. And of course, from the top here it’s easy to see why this area was chosen for its vantage point.
The complex was fortified by Pino Ordelaffi in 1471 and from 1504 the Rocca became the property of Holy See until the French invasion in the 18th century. After Napoleon’s reign it returned to the church when Italy was reunified.
The medieval town of Predappio Alta, built around this massive fortress is still very much part of living history. The local government was seated here until 1927, when it was transferred to Dovìa, now known simply as Predappio.
References
http://www.romagnamania.com/comuni/predappio.asp
Categories: Architectural | Art | Business | Castles | Educational | Historical | Leisure | Monuments | Museums | Political | Religious |
RSS