Il Baluardo, Medieval fortification in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy
Il Baluardo is a fortified defensive structure located at the edge of the upper town section, offering views across the lower city and toward the Chianti region. The building shows typical medieval construction features along with later modifications from different periods of its use.
The fortification was built during the medieval period when Tuscan cities needed strong defenses against potential attacks. Over the centuries, the structure was modified and adapted to meet the needs of different eras.
The name reflects its function as a protective bastion in the region's defensive network. Today, the structure shows how medieval fortifications shaped settlement patterns and community life in Tuscan towns.
A modern elevator designed by architect Jean Nouvel connects this location to the lower part of town, covering a vertical distance of about 40 meters (130 feet). The site is generally accessible, with the lift providing the most convenient way to reach the upper town.
A repurposed World War II air raid shelter now serves as the entrance point for the modern elevator system. This unexpected blend of two historical periods shows how restoration work preserves older structures while serving contemporary needs.
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