Forte Malatesta, Renaissance fort in Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
Forte Malatesta is a fort on the left bank of the Castellano River with an unusual star-shaped design. The structure was built according to plans by architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and now houses a museum with medieval artifacts.
The original structure dates from Roman times but was fundamentally transformed in the 16th century under Pope Paul III Farnese. This conversion turned it into a papal garrison with reinforced defensive works.
The museum inside the fort displays objects from the early medieval period, including jewelry and weapons from noble burials. These items provide insight into how people in this region lived and honored their deceased.
The fort is located near the river and is accessible on foot; the best time to visit is during morning opening hours. The site can sometimes be difficult to access in bad weather, so it is wise to check conditions beforehand.
Within the fort complex stands a twelve-sided church called Santa Maria del Lago, built in the 1500s. This house of worship was constructed when the original fortress was already lying in ruins.
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