Forte di Macchiatonda, Coastal fortification in Capalbio, Italy.
Forte di Macchiatonda is a coastal fortification in Capalbio featuring a quadrangular layout, two stories, and four diagonal corner pillars supporting a pyramidal roof structure. The building sits directly on Macchiatonda beach, positioning historical architecture right at the water's edge.
Spanish forces built this defensive structure in the 1600s to protect the southernmost boundary of the State of Presidi. The fort formed part of a broader coastal defense network designed to guard against pirate raids and naval invasions.
The fort was used as a filming location for Marco Ferreri's 1969 film 'Il seme dell'uomo', which captured its appearance at that time. These cinematic records provide a window into how the structure looked during a specific period in its existence.
The fort is accessed directly from the public Macchiatonda beach, making it straightforward to reach without detours. Visit during lower water levels to see the entire base and surrounding area of the building clearly.
Despite its military purpose, the building was deliberately designed to resemble a residential farmhouse, concealing its surveillance role from potential enemies. This disguise was a clever strategic move to avoid detection from the sea.
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