Rocca di Cento

The southern end of Corso Guercino becomes a large square dominated by the Rocca, an imposing fortress that dominates Cento with the massive geometry of its angular towers and the bulk of its entrance tower and its keep.
The crenellated walls, corbels, and narrow openings for shooting arrows and firearms reveal the military nature of this construction, dating back to 1378 and rebuilt in the fifteenth century. Its interiors include rooms of great artistic and historic interest, such as the fireplace room, the chapel, the room with triple arched windows, the cannons, and the dungeons and cellars.

A bit of History

The defensive fortress dates back to the late 14th century, when its construction was ordered by the Bishop of Bologna to check the inhabitants’ desire for independence. It was rebuilt and altered over the centuries in the style of more recent military architecture and to withstand repeated assaults by enemy troops.

Today’s fortress, without its moat and drawbridges, is the product of a 1483 reconstruction by cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, later to become Pope Julius II.

Over the centuries the Fortress lost its original function and came to serve mainly as a prison for political prisoners and bandits. It now hosts cultural and gastronomic events and exhibitions.

Legends & Ghost Stories

The "Beata Vergine della Rocca" Sanctuary houses the venerated Image of the Blessed Virgin of the Fortress, a fresco removed from inside the Fortress dating back to 1597: a drop of blood falls from the Madonna’s nose which tradition holds to be due to an act of sacrilege.