Fortezza Medievale di Acquaviva Picena e Museo La Fortezza nel Tempo
Fifteenth-century fortress with a 22-metre keep and the multimedia museum La Fortezza nel Tempo, with finds from the excavations and virtual reconstructions.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The fortress of Acquaviva Picena was built in the second half of the 13th century on the orders of Rinaldo d'Acquaviva, to defend the northern border of his lands and control the Adriatic coastal road. It was destroyed in the mid-15th century by the troops of Francesco Sforza and rebuilt by the end of the century according to the models of early Renaissance military architecture, with a design attributed to the Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli. It then came under the control of Fermo and, together with the Papal States, had the task of defending the coast from Turkish raids, until the decline of military art led to its gradual abandonment by the mid-17th century.
The building has an irregular quadrilateral plan, with a large central courtyard, a well and corner towers. The circular keep, about 22 metres high, dominates the Piazza del Forte. In the 19th century the fortress was granted to the Counts Neroni Cancelli and later bought by the Rossi Panelli family, who handed it to the Comune in 1907. At the end of the century the architect Giuseppe Sacconi directed its restoration. Excavations by the University of Bologna in the courtyard have uncovered remains of Santa Barbara and posts driven into the tufa dating back to the year 1000.
The keep houses the multimedia museum La Fortezza nel Tempo, opened in 2019 and reopened in 2021 after restoration work and a new display. The route traces the main historical phases of the monument with explanatory panels, finds, a 360° 3D graphics video and virtual visits to the excavations.
Highlights
- Circular keep about 22 metres high with panoramic views
- La Fortezza nel Tempo multimedia museum in the keep
- 360° 3D graphics video and virtual visits to the excavations
- Central courtyard with a well and corner towers
- University of Bologna excavations with remains of Santa Barbara
Permanent exhibition
- La Fortezza nel Tempo – Multimedia museum in the keep covering the main historical phases of the fortress, with finds, a 360° 3D graphics video and virtual visits to the excavations.
- Founded
- 2019
- Operated by
- Comune di Acquaviva Picena
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children aged 11 to 16 inclusive, over-65s, groups of at least 10 people, Touring Club and FAI members with a valid membership card |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 10 · Free admission up to age 10; €3 for ages 11 to 16 inclusive. |
| Seniors | €3Visitors over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personGroups of at least 10 people. |
Free admission also for residents of the municipality of Acquaviva Picena.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
After the 2021 works, the museum includes a small tactile route for visually impaired people.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Weddings / ceremonies
The fortress is offered as a venue for weddings, events and concerts.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits for groups and school parties are available by booking with the municipal Tourism Office. Domestic animals are allowed. |
