The Sforza tower (torrione sforzesco) of Bubano stands as testimony to the succession of powerful families who once ruled Mordano and the hamlet of Bubano.
At one time the town was defended by a small fortress, built by the monks of S. Maria in Regola of Imola. After passing from the Alidosi lords of Castel del Rio to the Estensi, and then the Manfredi family, the fortress of Bubano finally came under the control of the Sforzas. They granted the castle (and the fortresses in Mordano and Imola) as a dowry to Caterina Sforza, the young bride of Girolamo Riario.
The Rocca di Bubano remained under the dominion of the Sforza family until 1499, when it was conquered by the ruthless duke Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino. Eventually, the fortress was destroyed by time itself: only a section of the stables remains standing, a ‘small tower’ from which the traditional battlementshave been removed, giving it a more modern appearance.
The Bubanesi still call this ruin "Torrione"- ‘the tower’: it now houses a small yet engaging museum illustrating the history of Mordano, Bubano and the surrounding area.
Map
Torrione Sforzesco
Via Lume 1694
40027 Mordano
