Brancaleone Fortress, Ravenna
The Brancaleone Fortress (Rocca Brancaleone) is a monumental medieval fortification, designed to protect Ravenna from enemies. It has a rich history. The austere structure that survived numerous military still keeps its aura to this day. Although its purpose changed a long time ago, it is now a place for recreation and leisure for locals and city guests.
History of the Brancaleone Fortress
In 1441 the Venetian Republic took control of Ravenna. The reconstruction of the city fortifications began immediately, and a design for a new fortress was created. In 1456, the Senate granted the Doge of Venice a permission to realize the plans. The works were carried out according to the project created by 3 architects under the leadership of Giovanni Francesco da Massa. On May 25, 1457, 3 coins were laid at the base of the fortress, after that the construction began.
The fortification was brought into use presumably in 1460 before it was finished. The exact date of completion of the project is unknown, historians tend to believe it was 1470. It is quite likely that the fortress was named after the symbol of the Venetian Republic, the Lion of Saint Mark. Its purpose was somewhat dual: on the one hand, it was meant to protect the city from external enemies, on the other – from a possible citizen uprising.
The fortress survived two sieges, in 1509 and 1512. After that, proper repairs were not performed. When the political situation stabilized in 1526, it started to lose its strategic importance. Then in 1630 it also started to gradually degrade. In 1877, the building came into ownership of the Rava family which used it as a garden for plants and vegetables. Later on, in 1965, the fortress became the city property. During the time between 1972 and 1980 fundamental restoration works were carried out, and by 1988 the surrounding area was redesigned and modified.
Design
This fortress is square shaped and considered to be the main building of the entire complex with an area of 2180 square meters. At each corner, there are round monumental towers connected by massive walls. In addition to the towers, the fortress has 4 smaller ones. Each of them has its own name: Torrione della Scala, Torrione dell'Olio, Torrione della Munizione, Torrione della Cittadella, Torrione di Mezzo, Torrione dell'Orto, Torrione Rotto and Torre Fiorentina. There are also 2 bas-reliefs above the main entrance on the tower: the Lion of Saint Mark and Madonna with the infant. The fortress is surrounded with a large moat, which can still be seen today, despite the place undergoing a number of restorations.
The second part of the structure, the citadel, is located in the southern part of the complex, and take up 1.4 hectares. Previously it was used for household needs and to accommodate the garrison.
Currently, a beautiful city park can be found within the territory of the citadel. An arena is built inside the fortress where various film screenings, concerts, and other event are held during the summertime. This place also houses an annual festival called Ravenna Jazz.
How to get
The Brancaleone Fortress is located in the north-eastern part of the historical center of Ravenna, on Via Rocca Brancaleone, 98. The city's railway station is situated right next to it. There are Porta Serrata and the majestic Mausoleum of Theodoric not far from here. The closest bus stop is Via Rocca Brancaleone II, you can catch buses № 2, 5, 18, 90, 154, 155.
Opening hours: the fortress is open every day, but the schedule depends on the month:
- November–February: from 08:00 till 17:00.
- March: from 08:00 to 18:30.
- April: from 08:00 to 20:00.
- May–June: from 08:00 to 21:00.
- July–August: from 08:00 to 23:00.
- September: from 08:00 to 19:30.
- October: from 08:00 to 18:00.
Contact number: (+39) 0544 36094.
Admission: free.
