Forte Urbano

Forte Urbano is a star-shaped fortress in Castelfranco Emilia with four bastions, each containing towers and military quarters arranged around a central courtyard. The structure was self-sufficient, featuring granaries, bakeries, butcheries, a hospital, a chapel, and an armory to sustain military operations.

Pope Urban VIII commissioned this fortress in 1626, with architect Giulio Buratti completing it in 1634. It was built during a period when the Papal State needed to strengthen its borders and represented cutting-edge military design of the 17th century.

The four bastions carry names of religious significance: San Paolo, San Pietro, Santa Maria, and San Petronio, reflecting papal influence on the fortress design. Visitors can still see these names marked on the bastions today, revealing how spiritual values were woven into this military structure.

The fortress is most easily reached from the town of Castelfranco Emilia, as it sits on the edge of the settlement. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the four bastions and inner courtyard requires substantial walking.

The path of the Via Emilia, one of Rome's major ancient roads, was diverted south of the fortress during construction to improve the defenders' sightlines. This strategic redirection reveals how profoundly the structure shaped regional commerce and movement.