Rocca Roveresca – a matryoshka of history

History and description

Dating back to Roman times with the construction of the first defensive tower, the fortress was expanded from the 14th century onward, first with the foundation of the Rocchetta Albornoziana and later, in the late 15th century, with both residential and defensive sections. Taken over by Cesare Borgia at the beginning of the 16th century, it became an artillery school built by the Della Rovere family, and later served as a papal prison before being transformed into a museum. The fortress has a quadrangular plan with four corner towers and two internal structures, one of which is made of tuff. Inside, it preserves a fascinating blend of medieval and Renaissance remains, along with a series of secret passages once used as escape routes.

Curiosities

The Rocca Roveresca is not just a single structure but rather two within one: a Roman quadrangular tower enclosed within the medieval Rocchetta Albornoziana, itself later incorporated into the Renaissance fortress built by the Della Rovere family. Truly, a historical matryoshka!

Access

Open daily with continuous hours from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, the fortress can be visited at the cost of €5, with free entry and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

Located just a few steps from the Palazzo del Duca, in the heart of the historic center, the fortress can be reached by car (with nearby parking), or by train and bus.

Blending different styles and eras, the Rocca Roveresca of Senigallia offers visitors the unique sensation of walking through multiple layers of history, making it an unmissable destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

Photo credits: Sailko (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 1.0