Defensive towers of Popiglio, Medieval defensive towers in San Marcello Piteglio, Italy
The Defensive towers of Popiglio are two stone towers at different heights standing within the remains of the Securana fortress, offering views across the Lima Valley and Pistoia Apennines. The structures are integrated into the mountain landscape and show the remnants of a medieval defensive installation.
The site originated from a Roman settlement in the 2nd century BC and later became a medieval fortress controlled by the Guidi Counts. The location thus played a role in regional control for more than a thousand years.
The towers marked the border between Pistoia and Lucca territories, serving as customs checkpoints on the ancient Via Romea Nonantolana trade route. Visitors can still sense the strategic importance this location held for trade passing between the two regions.
Visitors can reach the towers by taking a beech forest path starting from a nearby parking area or by following the San Bartolomeo hiking trail. The route is walkable but requires reasonable fitness due to the mountain terrain.
The first tower retains traces of elliptical walls at its base, revealing earlier construction techniques. Archaeological investigations at this site have uncovered Roman artifacts that attest to the long history of fortification here.
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