Palais Specola, Fortified palace complex on Pianosa Island, Italy.
Palais Specola is a fortified palace complex on Pianosa Island consisting of two rectangular buildings, with the northern section rising three levels and the southern part reaching two levels. The facades have been recently restored with fresh plaster coating on all exterior surfaces.
The structure was built in the 19th century based on engineer Ponticelli's design and served as a strategic control point for the penal colony on the island. It was part of a larger system for monitoring and managing the island's prison population.
The palace blends different architectural styles, featuring Gothic revival elements such as pointed arches and twin neogothic windows. These details come from an era when such style mixing was common throughout Italy.
The complex is located on an island and requires a boat to reach it, so allow time for the crossing. The grounds are open and relatively flat, making it easy to explore when weather and conditions permit.
The northeastern section features a large circular dome originally intended for an astronomical observatory that was never completed. This architectural fragment reveals the ambitious plans once held for the complex.
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