Rocca di Ripafratta, Medieval fortress in San Giuliano Terme, Italy.
Rocca di Ripafratta is a medieval fortress built on Vergario hill with an irregular polygon structure anchored by three towers. The walls are constructed from small squared limestone blocks and display multiple building phases from different periods.
The fortress was established in the 11th century by the Da Ripafratta family and later became contested between Pisa and Lucca during medieval struggles for regional control. It underwent significant reconstruction in the 16th century to reflect contemporary defense strategies.
The fortress reflects how occupants adapted the structure across different eras, with spaces originally designed for defense later serving residential purposes. Visitors can still observe the layering of uses that shaped the building's layout over time.
Visits require advance reservation through organized guided tours arranged by the Pro Loco Ripafratta association. It is wise to book early and check weather conditions beforehand, especially after rain when paths may be slippery.
Excavations in the 1980s uncovered ancient Iron Age structures buried beneath the fortress foundations. These early discoveries reveal the site was inhabited long before medieval times.
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