Il Cassero

This is the monument that officially marks the foundation of Castel San Pietro in 1199, as a stronghold built to defend the Bologna area.

Originally made from wood, it was later re-modelled several times according to military requirements. In 1500, when Bologna and Imola came under the rule of the Papal State, Castel San Pietro definitively lost its military role.

Today, the Cassero houses a municipal theatre, a place of culture and performance like the city’s Arena municipal theatre.