The Fortress of Solferino
Spy of Italy

The Rocca di Solferino, 23 meters high, was built in 1022 on the top of the hill (206 m above sea level) overlooking the town of Solferino, in the province of Mantua.
In 1315 it was purchased by Rinaldo Bonacolesi known as “Passerino”, lord of Mantua. Over time it acquired strategic value due to its geographical position which earned it the nickname “The Spy of Italy” during the Risorgimento. It was the scene of the bloody Battle of Solferino and San Martino on 24 June 1859 during which the Franco-Piedmontese and Austrian armies faced each other.
The fortress, after a period of abandonment, underwent important restorations in 1870.
From the top of the Rocca it is possible to admire the panorama of the hilly countryside and Lake Garda.