Forte delle Rocchette, Medieval fort in Castiglione della Pescaia, Italy.
Forte delle Rocchette is a fortress in Castiglione della Pescaia built with a central square tower enclosed by polygonal defensive walls that face the Mediterranean coast. The structure contains multiple functional spaces and was designed to command views of the sea approaches.
The structure began as a watchtower in the 12th century to guard against coastal raids and invasions. In 1568, Cosimo I de Medici ordered major reinforcements and modifications to meet the demands of early modern military technology.
The chapel dedicated to Madonna del Carmine occupies a place within the fort walls, showing how religious spaces were woven into military structures. Visitors can observe how this sacred site shaped daily life for those who worked here.
The fort sits on an exposed coastal location and can be reached through an arched gate entrance positioned along the coastal road near Strada Dogana. Paths leading to the structure may be narrow in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
After Italian unification, the military installation was converted into a lighthouse and served maritime navigation until roughly the mid-1900s. This transformation from defensive post to navigational aid marks a surprising shift in the structure's purpose.
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