The Fort of San Leo (RN), whose origins were already lost at the time of the 6th century Gothic-Byzantine war, has been constantly fought over, in particular during the 14th and 15th centuries until it was definitively conquered in 1441 by Federico da Montefeltro. To keep abreast of new military techniques, he had the fortress rebuilt entrusting the design to Francesco di Giorgio Martini, an engineer from Siena.
The imposing defensive structure of the fortress appears to be an extension of the rock that it stands upon; the result of the work of both nature and man is a majestic beauty. Under the Papal State, it became a terrible prison where the Count of Cagliostro died. Following the Unification of Italy, until 1906, the fortress continued to function as a prison.
Today, cleared of the 18th century additions which altered its elegant Renaissance lines, the splendour of its unique architecture has been restored, making the fort a significant example of military art. It is open for visits to the exhibitions of arms and armour, the cells of famous prisoners and its fortifications.
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
Viale Aldo Moro 38 — 40127 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 5278753
Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
