Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, Italian comune
Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole is a small commune in the province of Forlì-Cesena that consists of two historic settlements: the older fortress of Castrocaro and the later-built city of Terra del Sole. The area is known for its thermal springs that are still used today and for its well-preserved medieval structures with walls, towers, and fortified buildings.
The area was settled by Umbrian and Picenum peoples in pre-Roman times, but the first confirmed mention of a castle dates to 1035. During the Middle Ages, control changed repeatedly between the Church, Florence, and local noble families until the fortress was demilitarized in 1676 and the region turned toward agriculture.
The name Castrocaro comes from Latin and means castle, while Terra del Sole means land of the sun. Both names reflect the importance of these places as fortified centers, and visitors today can discover traces of this past in the streets and buildings.
The place is small and walkable, with paved streets that lead through old buildings and are easy to navigate. The thermal facility is open year-round and offers warm baths with modern amenities, while the fortress can be visited during the day to explore the museums and viewing towers.
An olive tree in the fortress courtyard is over 300 years old and still grows, a silent witness to the long history of the place. Visitors can also see the Dungeons Tower, a dark part of the fortress where prisoners were once held and which today offers grim glimpses into the past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
