Castello di Bentivoglio

The Castello di Bentivoglio is a medieval fortified complex northeast of Bologna, founded around 1450 and protected today as an Italian national monument. It was part of the architectural power-projection of the Bentivoglio dynasty, who ruled Bologna as signori throughout much of the 15th century until Pope Julius II brought their reign to an abrupt end in 1506. The castle and its grounds survive as one of the few standing structures tied directly to that dynastic era; visitor access to parts of the complex may be limited due to private use.