Fortezza Medicea, Renaissance fortress on hilltop in Volterra, Italy
The Fortezza Medicea consists of two sections connected by a stone curtain wall, featuring circular turrets and a central tower called Maschio.
After Florence conquered Volterra in 1472 during conflicts over alum mines, Lorenzo de Medici ordered construction of the new fortress section in 1474.
The fortress represents the power dynamics between Florence and Volterra during the Renaissance period through its military architectural elements and strategic position.
The fortress operates as a medium security prison, with limited public access and a restaurant staffed by supervised inmates serving meals.
The structure incorporates walkways and defensive corbels atop its towers, designed specifically for protection against projectiles during medieval warfare.
Location: Volterra
Inception: 1342
Address: via di Ripa
GPS coordinates: 43.39997,10.86525
Latest update: May 17, 2025 15:52
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