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Castles and Fortifications of Tuscany

Tuscany’s landscape is defined by defensive architecture spanning from Etruscan city gates in Volterra to the Renaissance bastions of Florence and Livorno. This collection features UNESCO-listed sites like Pisa’s Romanesque bell tower and Siena’s 14th-century Torre del Mangia. It includes the intact 16th-century walls of Lucca, the formidable Medici fortresses of Arezzo and Livorno, and medieval towers in San Gimignano and Florence that served as both military strongholds and symbols of civic prestige.

Castles and Fortifications of Tuscany — Karte

Mstyslav Chernov / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Medieval freestanding bell tower known for its unintended tilt and exemplary Romanesque architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant historical and architectural landmark.

David McSpadden / CC BY 2.0

B

Torre del Mangia

The Torre del Mangia is a tower in Siena, in the Tuscany region of Italy.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

C

Walls of Lucca

The walls of Lucca are a series of stone, brick, and earthwork fortifications surrounding the central city of Lucca in Tuscany, Italy.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

D

Torre Grossa

Torre Grossa is the tallest tower in San Gimignano, standing at 54 m high.

Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Fort Belvedere

Built in the 16th century, the fortress was designed to demonstrate the power of the Medici family and to protect the center of the city.

Genuae / Public domain

F

The Etruscan Gate

The most popular gateway to the city is also a gem dating to the Etruscan times. Walk through it and enjoy the scenery.

H005 / Public domain

G

Guinigi Tower

The Torre Guinigi is a tower in Lucca in the region of Tuscany, central Italy.

H

Palazzo Vecchio

Historic Gothic-style palace and town hall serving as a symbol of civic power for over seven centuries, featuring art collections, historical rooms, and a notable bell tower with panoramic views.

Adam63 / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Giotto's Campanile

Gothic bell tower featuring intricate sculptures and decorative marble work, offering panoramic views from its summit.

LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Fortezza Medicea

A 16th-century pentagonal stronghold commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici. Located on the Colle di San Donato, it represents a significant example of Renaissance military architecture with views over Arezzo.

Daniele Napolitano / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Old Citadel

This old citadel had lasted several centuries until being severely damaged during WWII.

LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Old Fortress, Livorno

The Old Fortress of Livorno is a castle in Livorno, Italy. The Old Fortress is a successor building to a medieval fort built by the city of…

Larry Ferrante / CC BY 2.0

M

Fortress of Radicofani

Radicofani is a comune in the Province of Siena in the Italian region Tuscany, located in the natural park of Val d'Orcia about 110…

LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Fortezza Nuova

A late 16th-century pentagonal fortress designed by Bernardo Buontalenti. Surrounded by the Fosso Reale canal, the structure features massive brick bastions and currently functions as a public park.

Rufus46 / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Roman Gate

This impressive gate was part of the 13th-century wall fortifications and it is the best preserved gate of the historical center of the…

Alfredo Borba / CC BY-SA 2.0

P

Castello di Verrazzano

The Castle of Verrazzano is located about a mile from the center of Greve in Chianti in Italy, and sits on a mountain spur above the River…

Sailko / CC BY 2.5

Q

Tower of San Niccolò, Florence

The Tower of San Niccolò, once part of a gate or porta in the former defensive walls of Florence, is now located, isolated in piazza…