Contact - City of Faenza
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 31
Telephone: 0546/691111
E-mail: urp.informazioni@comune.faenza.ra.it
Web Site: www.comune.faenza.ra.it
Area of natural and historical interest, located on the first hills 8 km south-east of Faenza.
Description: Oriolo ("Castrum Aureolum") was an important area already during the early Middle Ages. The old village centre is situated at the top of a green hill with its dominating Tower, the main ruin of the Fortress built by the Manfredi in 1476 over an existing castle of the XI century, donated by the emperor Henry II to the Archbishop of Ravenna in 1017.
In 1509, the Fortress together with the city of Faenza came under the definite dominion of the Papal State. The Municipality of Oriolo continued to exist also under the Papal government and had its own Statutes in 1518.
The purchase of vast extensions of land by the city clergy led to the disappearance small local farmers, causing a general impoverishment of the area and crisis at the Municipality of Oriolo, leading to its suppression in 1689.
The Tower and the surrounding park returned to the property of the Municipality of Faenza in 1983.
During the 1980’s, the cranium of an elephant (Mammuthus Meridionalis) and the remains of bison, rhinoceros and hippopotamus were found in the “Golden Sands” of Oriolo.
Additional notes: From the exit of the motorway, proceed along Via Granarolo direction Faenza centre. After the flyover turn left, following the signs for Forli. At the second set of traffic lights turn right and at the traffic lights situated at the intersection turn left into Corso Staffi. Immediately after the bridge (Ponte delle Grazie), turn right into Via Torretta and then into Via Monsignor Cimatti that ends up on the Santa Lucia provincial road. Turn left after approximately three km into Via San Mamante and after two kilometres turn right for Oriolo.
Altitude (m a.s.l.): 132,10
