Forte Longone, Spanish coastal fort in Porto Azzurro, Italy
Forte Longone is a pentagonal fortress situated on a hilltop above Porto Azzurro with thick stone walls and military structures overlooking the bay. The complex features three gunpowder magazines and several buildings arranged within a system of ramparts and bastions.
The fortress was built starting in 1603 under Spanish rule to strengthen the Estado de los Presidios defense system on Elba's eastern coast. It was later converted into a prison, a function it has maintained to the present day.
The fort contains two religious buildings: the Baroque Church of San Giacomo Maggiore and the Chapel of Santa Barbara in the parade ground.
Reaching the fortress requires a ten-minute uphill walk from Porto Azzurro center through narrow streets to the elevated structure. Visitors should bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, especially on warm days.
The fortress currently houses a high-security prison and remains in active military use, making it one of the few still-armed fortifications in the Mediterranean. This ongoing military function means the site is closed to general public visits.
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