Modigliana

Situated in the Tramazzo Valley, Modigliana boasts very ancient origins and a history rich in important events, often transcending local boundaries. Its medieval fortress was the cradle of the power of the Counts Guidi, lords of the Ghibelline side, who controlled a vast territory between Romagna and Tuscany through more than 200 castles.

In 1377, Modigliana surrendered to Florence and, as an integral part of Tuscany-Romagna, witnessed the history of the city up to the unification of Italy, a history which was separate from the events of Romagna, but with its own particularities within those of Florence.

The most important example of this is the important role played by the town during the Risorgimento, with the activation of the Trafila (A series of exploits), such as the legendary episode of Garibaldi’s rescue by the priest Don Giovanni Verità. In 1923, with the reorganisation of the municipalities of Romagna, Modigliana passed from the province of Florence to Forlì.

The first settlements in the Modigliana area date back to the Neolithic period, about 5000 years ago. In the 3rd century B.C. the Celts arrived, then the Romans, whom they met at the battle of “Castrum Mutilum”, reported by Livy.

The ancient name ‘Castrum Mutilum’ is supposed to come from a Roman site on Mount Sion, where the Capuchin monastery now stands. Even today, inside the complex, there is an ancient Roman well that probably dates back to the time of the events. In the 10th century, Modigliana was part of the Exarchate of Ravenna.

The Countess Englarada, of Franco-Germanic origin, lived in the fortress. Through her marriage with the Tuscan Count Tigrino, she gave birth to the Guidi dynasty. This became one of the most powerful families in Tuscan Romagna. One of its members, Guido Guerra, who distinguished himself in the battle of Benevento, was mentioned by Dante. The family, on good terms with the Emperor Federico Barbarossa, celebrated the birth of his son Corrado I at the Modigliana Castle in 1165. In the 12th century, together with the keep, the complex of walls and towers was built with river pebbles.

Following a popular uprising that led to the expulsion of the Guidi family in 1337, the town became a free municipality under the protectorate of Florence. In 1640, after a flooding, the course of the river Ibola was diverted and made to flow further downstream into the Tramazzo, through a huge gap in the Riva mountain, called the “Tagliata”.

Modigliana, during the Risorgimento, was the birthplace of illustrious patriots who fought for the liberation of Romagna from Papal rule, such as the liberal priest and carbonaro Don Giovanni Verità, who rescued Garibaldi from the Austrian troops in 1849.