Sestola Castle (Castello di Sestola)

The fortified nucleus of Sestola, attested as early the 8th century, was built at the summit of an Apennine hilltop overlooking the valleys of the Leo and Scoltenna streams. Strategically facing the Tuscan lands, it was bitterly contested by both Modena and Bologna, passing definitively under the control of Obizzo III d’Este in 1336. Under the seigniory of the Este family, Sestola became a highly strategic garrison for the defence and government of the Frignano area.

Today, the “Fortress”, which houses the Museum of Mountain Culture, is a heterogeneous complex of juxtaposed buildings built under various rulers and to serve multiple functions. The fortified nucleus has a compact polygonal perimeter constructed in stone, with only few openings, to emphasise its eminently military character. At the south-western summit of the circuit, placed on a spur of rock with an extraordinary landscape impact, stands the mighty tower with a quadrangular base crowned by dovetail battlements; the structure of a semi-circular tower, set on an escarpment base crowned by a kerbstone, continues along the north-western side. Various buildings have gradually been built around the castle courtyard: the Clock Tower, the Chancellor’s House, the Casa della Ragione and the Romanesque oratory dedicated to St Nicholas.