Rocca del Brunelleschi, Medieval fortress in Vicopisano, Italy
Rocca del Brunelleschi is a medieval fortress in Vicopisano with high crenellated walls supported by arches and multiple defensive towers. The compound contains interconnected walkways that run throughout the structure for surveillance and defense.
After Vicopisano fell to the Medici in 1406, architect Filippo Brunelleschi redesigned the existing structure as a military fortress. This transformation made it one of Tuscany's most important defensive works.
The fortress shows how Renaissance engineering and medieval building traditions came together in one structure. Visitors can see these two approaches combined in the stone work and defensive design.
The fortress opens on weekends from March through November, with guided tours available through the Vicopisano Tourist Office. Wear comfortable shoes since climbing to the towers and walking the ramparts involves stairs and uneven surfaces.
The fortress contains a hidden river cove connected to Torre del Soccorso that secretly received supply boats during sieges. This concealed supply line made the stronghold harder to overcome than attackers anticipated.
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