CASTROCARO AND TERRA DEL SOLE - CODE: OSPCSTR

Ben fa Bagnacaval, che non rifiglia; 

e mal fa Castrocaro, e peggio Conio,

che di figliar tai conti più s’impiglia.

Ben faranno i Pagan, da che ‘l demonio

lor sen girà; ma non però che puro

già mai rimagna d’essi testimonio.

O Ugolin de’ Fantolin, sicuro

è il nome tuo, da che più non s’aspetta

chi far lo possa, tralignando, scuro.

Ma va via, Tosco, omai; ch’or mi diletta

troppo di pianger più che di parlare,

sì m’ha nostra ragion la mente stretta».

(Pg., canto XIV)

 

Castrocaro Terme, centre of Etruscan origin, famous since Roman times for its precious thermal

waters, it had its moment of major development during medieval times. One of the most evocative

constructions is the medieval fortress, which wards the country from the overstanding

rock, and it is so armoniously integrated with the landscape. The Bell Tower, which was the defensive rampart to guard the lower part of the village, and the Battistero di S.Giovanni stands little under the fortress . Roads, cobble paved streets and ancient entrance doors leading to the valley, where more recent buildings stand, such as the Church of SS.Nicolò e Francesco, Palazzo Piancastelli dating back to the XVIII century to the functionalist architecture of the Padiglione delle Feste and of the Grand Hotel, within the marvellous Parco delle Terme.

Terra del Sole, the fortified village created by will of Cosimo de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany,

is one of the few urban centres with a precise foundation date: the 8th December 1564. The name itself expresses its essence of ideal city of the Renaissance, built and conceived to be the safe and attack-proof main city of the Region of Romagna Toscana. Today, the town still preserves its original plant,  surrounded by rampart walls, developed around the central Piazza d’Armi, on which are situated the Church of S. Reparata, the Palazzo dei Provveditori and the Palazzo Pretorio and perfectly symmetric, with two entrance doors, two main boroughs and two castles with a star-shaped plant, the Castello del Capitano delle Artiglierie and the Castello del Governatore.

 

About he areas dedicated to sports, Castrocaro features swimming pool's, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball court. There are soccer fields and soccer, public and private gyms. The Thermal Park has numerous avenues and paths also, equipped for streching, ideal for jogglers. For those who want to relax and take care of them selves, the bath of Castrocaro offer a wide selection of spa therapies and rehabilitation. Inside these is wellness center where for facial and body treatments are avaible.

For lovers of trekking, clymbing and mountain bikers there are many routes suitable both for experience biker, but also suitable for who want to see the beauties of nature whitout getting tired.

The most interesting routes are these which relate to the beautiful medieval village of Castrocaro and the wonderful city of Terra del Sole, a fortress.

If you are looking for quiet moments and peace of mind the fluvial park is ideal. It is the green area equipped, crossed by the Montone river.

Of the great interest is the Rock of Cozzi, which is located close to Lakes of “Bolga”, where flow sasojodica waters which then are used in Spas. Among the many historical sites in the area you can visit the Old Fornace of Laterizi, the remains of the Montepoggiolo Castle and the Devil's Palace where Garibaldi found refuge when he was chased by the Austrian after the fall of the Roman Republic.

 

The town is famous fot its historical traditions thet are present today with festivals and events involving whole generation, for example “Festival Vocie  Volti nuovi di Castrocaro”, Palio Santa Reparata, the Battle of Terra del Sole (A.D. 1387) and “Eliopoli”. There are events dedicated to the Crossbow Group, concerts with the best graduates from the Conservatory and Musical Istitutions. In this beautiful town hosts Fiera Sain Rocco and  Giornata del Forestiero. Another tradition is “Fugarena” which consists in lighting a big fire in the main square. Let's not forget the night of Halloween in Castrocaro Fortress. A situation very realistic! To try!