Rocca della Verruca, Medieval fortress on Monte Verruca, Calci, Italy
Rocca della Verruca is a pentagonal stone fortress perched on a steep hilltop that commands views across the surrounding valley and river landscape. The structure still displays its original thick defensive walls built from local stone and traces of its medieval layout.
The fortress was built in the early 1200s as a defensive outpost for the Pisan Republic and controlled the territory for roughly 3 centuries. It lost its strategic importance when Florence took control of the region in the late 1400s.
The fortress served as a watchtower and refuge for surrounding communities during periods of conflict and territorial disputes. Its presence shaped how people organized life in the valley below for centuries.
The site is accessible via hiking trails starting from nearby villages, with walks taking roughly one to two hours depending on the route chosen. Visit on clear days to fully appreciate the views across the surrounding landscape.
The walls are built from a local stone called verrucana, a material that has been used for construction throughout the region for centuries. You can still spot this distinctive stone in buildings in the villages below.
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