Rocca di Vignola, Medieval fortress in Vignola, Italy
Rocca di Vignola is a five-story stone fortress featuring three towers named Nonantola, delle Donne, and del Pennello. Elevated walkways at the top connect these towers and form the defensive structure of the building.
The fortress was founded in 1178 and originally served military purposes. Around 1401, the Contrari family converted it into a residential palace, adding decorative details.
The interior rooms display 15th-century frescoes showing scenes from the life of the Contrari family. These artworks let visitors understand how this important family lived and the connections they maintained.
The fortress is open to visitors on several days during the week, with regular guided tours available. It is best to wear comfortable shoes since there are stairs throughout the building and multiple levels to explore.
The Italian postal service honored this fortress with a commemorative stamp in 1980 as part of the Castelli d'Italia series. This made it a cultural symbol recognized far beyond the town itself.
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