​CLICK HERE FOR ITALY'S BEST HOTELS!

Terra  del  Sole​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
The town of Terra del Sole is situated within the Province of Forlì-Cesena and has a population of 6,377 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 68 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 39 km². There are 7 hotels close by while nearby places of interest include Forlì, Dovadola, Rocca San Casciano, Faenza and Brisighella.

What People Ask About Terra del Sole

Is Terra del Sole worth visiting?
Yes, Terra del Sole is a Renaissance-era fortified town near Castrocaro Terme, known for its grid layout, historical walls, and architecture reflecting 16th-century urban planning by Cosimo I de' Medici.
What can you do in Terra del Sole?
You can walk the defensive walls, explore the Piazza d’Armi, and visit the Palazzo Pretorio and Church of Santa Reparata. The town hosts historic reenactments and seasonal events within its walls.
How do you get to Terra del Sole?
Terra del Sole is about 10 km from Forlì and is easy to reach by car or bus. The nearest train station is in Forlì, with regular bus services to Castrocaro Terme and its surroundings.
What is Terra del Sole known for?
It is known for being a planned Renaissance fortress town, built in 1564. Its symmetry, fortified walls, and Medici history make it a rare example of ideal city design from that period.
When is the best time to visit Terra del Sole?
Spring and early autumn are ideal for walking around the town and visiting during local events. Summer also sees festivals and historical displays within the fortress.
Related links

Discover

Discover Terra del Sole
Terra del Sole, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a small but historically rich town known for its Renaissance-era architecture and peaceful rural setting. Situated in the heart of the Forlì-Cesena province, Terra del Sole offers a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Romagna countryside. The town’s carefully planned streets and traditional buildings reflect its historical importance, making it a unique destination for those interested in architecture and history.
​
Terra del Sole is famous for its fortified walls and Rocca dei Conti Guidi, a fortress built in the 16th century, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The town is also home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a quaint church with notable architectural features. Visitors can explore the town’s central square and the historic streets, where traces of its Renaissance past are still evident. For outdoor enthusiasts, Terra del Sole offers several hiking and cycling routes through the surrounding countryside, providing beautiful views of the hills and the rural landscape. The town’s blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty makes it a perfect base for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region.
History
Terra del Sole was founded in the late 16th century by Pope Pius IV as a fortified town and agricultural settlement. The town's establishment was part of a broader project to drain the surrounding marshlands and improve agricultural productivity in the region.

The strategic layout of the town, with its radial street pattern, fortress-like walls, and central piazza, reflects the Renaissance urban planning principles of the time. The town was initially named "Terra Nuova" (New Land) but later changed to "Terra del Sole" in honor of Pope Pius VI, who visited the town during his pontificate.

Terra del Sole played a crucial role in the region's agricultural development and is now recognized for its historical and architectural significance.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Terra del Sole
  • Renaissance Fortifications and City Walls: Terra del Sole was founded in 1564 by Cosimo I de’ Medici as an ideal Renaissance city and fortified stronghold. Its perfectly preserved walls form a square layout with bastions at each corner, showcasing 16th-century military architecture and urban planning rooted in symmetry and order.
  • Palazzo dei Commissari: Located in the central square, this elegant building once served as the residence of the Medici governor. Today it houses municipal offices and exhibition spaces and features period architectural elements including a grand staircase, arcaded façade, and decorative stonework.
  • Church of Santa Reparata: Built in the late 16th century, this parish church has a restrained façade and a richly decorated interior with altars and artworks reflecting the Counter-Reformation style. It was dedicated to the patron saint of the original medieval settlement on the same site.
  • Historic Grid Layout and Defensive Bastions: The town’s rational street grid, central piazza, and double city gates reflect Renaissance ideals of harmony, function, and defence. Visitors can walk the perimeter of the walls, explore the bastions, and admire the view towards the Apennines and surrounding countryside.
  • Day Trip to Castrocaro Terme: Just 2 km away, Castrocaro Terme offers medieval architecture, thermal spas, and the impressive Fortezza, making it a natural complement to Terra del Sole’s Renaissance atmosphere. The two towns are often visited together due to their historical connection.
Terra del Sole - frazione di Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole
Comune: Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole

Province: Forlì-Cesena

Region: Emilia Romagna

Elevation: 68 metres

​Close by: Forlì, Dovadola, Rocca San Casciano, Faenza, Brisighella
​
Recommended stay: Grand Hotel Castrocaro Longlife Formula
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

Since: 2005

1 of 12 in Emilia Romagna listed by Touring Club Italiano

Terra  del  Sole​​  Gallery

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp