Forte Filippo, Military fort in Porto Ercole, Italy.
Forte Filippo is a military fort located in Porto Ercole with a square layout reinforced by four triangular bastions at its corners and a pentagonal bastion on its northern side. The double curtain walls were designed to defend against attacks from the sea, creating a layered defensive system.
The fort was built in 1558 by Giovanni Camerini on the site of the earlier Fort Sant'Ermo. This construction was part of a broader defensive strategy to protect the State of Presidi from threats.
The chapel of San Nicola, built in the 18th century, sits within the fort and reflects religious life during that era. Today the site serves as a private residence, keeping the space inhabited and maintained.
The fort is accessible via an asphalted road from Porto Ercole and can be viewed from the outer perimeter. Entry to the interior is not available as the buildings inside are private residences.
A deep moat carved directly from solid rock separates the outer and inner fortifications, crossed only by a single drawbridge at the eastern entrance. This distinctive feature reveals the engineering skill and careful planning of the fortress designers.
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