Forte di Vigliena, 18th-century military castle in San Giovanni a Teduccio, Naples, Italy
Forte di Vigliena is an 18th-century pentagonal military fortress in Naples with thick stone walls and a wide defensive moat. Its layout was designed so defenders could monitor and protect the surrounding terrain from multiple positions.
The fortress was built in the 18th century as a defensive installation to protect Naples Bay from seaborne attacks. During the political turmoil of 1799, it became the site of a devastating explosion that transformed its role.
Alexandre Dumas documented the fortress explosion in his writings, describing the massive impact that scattered debris across the surrounding area.
The fortress is currently closed to visitors and undergoing restoration work. Those interested in viewing it can explore the surrounding area and observe its structure from nearby streets.
A water well in the central courtyard provided essential supplies, while workshops enabled repairs of weapons and equipment inside the fortress. These practical facilities reveal how the installation was designed for long-term occupation.
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