The fortified borgo of Castello di Serravalle, in the municipality of Valsamoggia (BO), has an ancient history and preserves its Medieval charm today. Built to defend the Exarchate of Ravenna against the Barbarian invasions, it was rebuilt in the Middle Ages on Roman foundations. A feud of Matilde di Canossa until 1109, it was bitterly fought over by Ghibelline Modena and Guelf Bologna. The dispute culminated in the Battle of Zappolino where Bologna was defeated with over 3,000 dead and 3,000 prisoners.
The medieval entrance and the tower of 1523 of the ancient fortification, which gave the village its name, are still visible, while the noble residence, entirely in terracotta, which leans against the tower, has 18th century outlines. Owned by the Boccadiferro family until the end of the 1800s, the castle was converted into a residence in the 1500s: the picturesque entrance has a sandstone bas-relief of the knight Iacopino da San Lorenzo in Collina, a famous Captain of the Mountains (official with jurisdiction over the mountains).
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
Viale Aldo Moro 38 — 40127 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 5278753
Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
