Walls of Lastra a Signa, Medieval defensive wall in Lastra a Signa, Italy.
The Walls of Lastra a Signa form an irregular trapezoidal defensive structure with three gates and eight square towers built into the stone fortification. The system surrounds the old town center with varying wall heights and defensive features adapted to the local terrain.
Florence began construction of these fortifications in 1367 and completed them between 1400 and 1403 to secure control over the Arno Valley. The finished walls represented an investment in protecting the surrounding trade routes and agricultural lands.
The walls shape the appearance and function of the old town center today, where locals and visitors walk through the same gates that once controlled access to the city. They remain visible reminders of how medieval communities organized themselves around defense and trade.
You can enter the walled town through the Porta Pisana or Portone di Baccio gates, both of which open directly to the historic center. Walking along the perimeter is straightforward and accessible throughout the year.
The southeastern section displays irregular stonework and traces of repairs from different periods, revealing how the fortification was modified over time. These varying construction techniques in one wall tell the story of multiple reinforcements and adaptations across centuries.
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