The town’s defences were gradually reinforced from 1570 onwards, even under the direction of Bernardo Buontalenti, and were used to provide accommodation for the armed forces as well as important look-out posts.
The fortresses of Portoferraio are a massive, majestic architectural k complex built starting in 1548 by Cosimo I de Medici to protect the harbour and the town (then known as Cosmopoli) from the threat posed by the terrible pirates of the time. Thanks to these impregnable fortifications, Portoferraio was the only town on the island to withstand the attacks of the dreaded pirate Dragut in 1553.
The town’s defences were gradually reinforced from 1570 onwards, even under the direction of Bernardo Buontalenti, and were used to provide accommodation for the armed forces as well as important look-out posts. Today, the fortresses offer attractive walks, where visitors can marvel at views of great beauty or enjoy a pleasant combination of past and present, soaking up the town’s illustrious history.
Opening times
From 30th March to 10th June and from 27th August to 4th November
10 AM – 12.30 PM (the ticket office closes 40 minutes before)
From 11th June to 26th August
10 AM – 12.30 (the ticket office closes 40 minutes before)
Phone
0565 944024
Address
Via Guerrazzi, 95 - 57037 Portoferraio
Photogallery
