Rocca Nuova

Cesena, Province of Forlì-Cesena, Italy, Italy

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Rocca Nuova, better known today as part of the Rocca Malatestiana of Cesena, is a large fortress built beginning in 1380 on Garampo Hill by the Malatesta family after earlier fortifications in the area had been damaged.

Over the following century, it was expanded and strengthened into one of the most imposing defensive structures in Romagna, reflecting the military importance of Cesena during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. The fortress is notable for its massive walls, fortified walkways, panoramic terraces, and two central towers known as the Male and Female towers.

Its strategic design attracted the attention of Leonardo da Vinci, who studied Cesena’s fortifications while working for Cesare Borgia in 1502. Today, the fortress is one of Cesena’s most important landmarks. Visitors can explore its historic passages, enjoy sweeping views over the city and surrounding countryside, and visit museums housed within the complex, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in medieval history and architecture.