The existence of a stronghold to defend the local populations is attested as early as 1059. From 1290 until 1463 it was the residence of the Malatesta family, Lords of Rimini, to whom we owe the fortification and expansion of the castle. Count Guido Rangoni of Modena, having received the territory of Longiano in perpetual feud from Pope Leo X in 1519, modified the structure of the building, partially eliminating the Malatesta fortifications and building the small loggia that can still be walked on today. In the 19th century, the castle underwent significant changes to its interior. The Castle was the seat of the Town Hall until 1989, later becoming the permanent home of the Tito Balestra Onlus Foundation’s collection of Contemporary Art of the Italian Twentieth Century.
Through art it is possible to have unusual experiences and open up to horizons full of stimuli and possibilities; so how can one deny oneself a visit to one of the main collections of twentieth-century art in Italy? The Tito Balestra Onlus Foundation was established to preserve and enhance the art collection of a poet, Tito Balestra (Longiano, 1923-1976), and carries out an intense cultural activity. Over the years the Collection has been enriched with new donations. Among others, it is possible to admire works by Chagall, De Pisis, Goya, Guttuso, Maccari, Mafai, Matisse, Morandi, Kokoschka, Rosai, Sironi and Vespignani.
Open every day except Monday:
10 a.m.-12 p.m./3 p.m.-7 p.m. (in August: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.)