Fortezza Medicea

Volterra, Italy, Italy

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Fortezza Medicea in Volterra, Italy, is a historic fortress built on the highest point overlooking the town, originally constructed in 1342 by Walter VI, Duke of Athens, then governor of Florence.

The complex consists of two main parts: the Old Rocca (also called the Femmina or Cassero), featuring a trapezoidal layout with a large semi-elliptical tower, and the New Rocca (the Mastio), built between 1472 and 1475 under Lorenzo the Magnificent, known for its square plan with circular corner turrets and a central tower called the Maschio.

The fortress was built not primarily for defending the city but to assert Florentine control and deter rebellion following Florence’s conquest of Volterra in 1472, motivated by valuable local alum deposits. The structure is connected by thick walls and a curtain, equipped with defensive walkways and corbels.

Today, the fortress serves as a medium-security prison with limited public access, occasionally hosting special events. It remains a striking symbol of Renaissance military architecture and Florentine dominance in the region.​