Fortezza da Basso

The Fortezza da Basso, also called Fortezza di San Giovanni Battista (Patron Saint of the city) was commissioned by the Medici family and built between 1533 and 1534.

It is an octagonal based castle with bastions disseminated with small towers, secret passages, galleries, and patrol paths.

The facade was built using diamond shaped stone, and also round stones, symbol of the decorations of the Medici family. The fortress was wanted for defence reasons, however this fortress, which was built so as to be impregnable, never underwent attack hence it has been conserved and it has remained intact for centuries.

In 1977, a three-floor pavilion was built inside where important trade fairs and exhibitions are held. In fact, the Fortezza da Basso is the trade fair pole of the city where each year important National events are held.