Rocca Sforzesca, Medieval fortress in Imola, Italy.
Rocca Sforzesca is a medieval fortress with four round corner towers surrounded by defensive moats on three sides and connected by drawbridges to two outlying bastions. Inside, visitors find underground chambers, officers' quarters, defensive walkways, and a courtyard featuring the refined loggia called Palazzetto del Paradiso.
Construction began in 1332 building upon an earlier 11th-century tower, and major renovations occurred around 1440 under architect Danesio Maineri. These changes reflected the need to adapt defenses to artillery warfare and emerging military technologies.
The fortress houses a national weapons collection spanning seven centuries, displaying swords, firearms, and ceramic pieces discovered during restoration work.
The fortress is straightforward to explore on foot with stairs and ramps connecting the various levels and towers throughout the structure. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to visit both the underground spaces and the tower viewpoints.
Leonardo da Vinci visited the fortress in 1502 and drew up reinforcement plans after Cesare Borgia's 1499 artillery assault captured it. His designs demonstrate how the structure needed to be modified for artillery-era warfare.
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