Fortezza del Girifalco, Medici fortress in Cortona, Italy
Fortezza del Girifalco is a Renaissance fortress built in 1556 on the summit of the hill above Cortona at 651 m, just above the Basilica of Santa Margherita. It has a trapezoidal plan with four bastions, and parts of Etruscan walls remain visible in the area.
A fortress has stood on this hilltop since at least 1258, with Etruscan wall remains still visible in the area. The present structure was built between 1556 and 1561 for Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, designed by military engineer Gabrio Serbelloni with Cortonese Francesco Laparelli. In 1943 German troops hid over a hundred tons of gold here; when American forces took the fortress, more than 40 million euros' worth remained.
The fortress now functions as a cultural venue, hosting rotating exhibitions that display regional art and local heritage throughout the year. It serves as a gathering space where visitors encounter contemporary events and artistic presentations.
The fortress stands at 651 m on the hilltop above Cortona, just above the Basilica of Santa Margherita, reached on foot uphill from the town centre. Restoration work has left parts of the complex closed, so check which sections are open before climbing. Cultural events and exhibitions are held inside.
In 1943 German troops hid over a hundred tonnes of gold inside the fortress. Much of it was removed before the war ended, but when American forces took the site more than 40 million euros' worth remained.
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