Medieval Forts in Maremma, Italy
Medieval Fortresses
Maremma's many medieval forts were built as defence against rival ruling families and political wars for control of her lands between the nearby cities of Pisa, Siena and Florence. From attacks along her coast by France, Spain, and Barbary pirates. And to control her gold, silver, iron & cinnibar mines. Enough reason indeed to build them!
They are known as "Rocca", "fortezza", "fortificazione", "forte", or "fortino". "Fortezza" and "fortificazione" are the Italian for fortress and fortification, respectively. And "forte" and "fortino" are the Italian words for "strong" and "blockhouse" (a single building isolated fort), used when referring to defensive strongholdings with inferior dimensions to those of either a fortezza or fortificazione.
But it is the term "Rocca" or "roccaforte" meaning fortress or stronghold that you will see more oftenly used in Italy and Maremma. Although the word "rocca" literally translates as "rock" in the English language, in Italian it refers to a fortified building built on a high and steep position, often with a medieval "borgo" - village or hamlet - below and around it. It is for this reason that many Italian town names begin with "Rocca..."
Maremma is home to many of these citadels - "citadelle fortificae" - both inland within her metalliferous hills, built to control the mining activities in the area and the main trade route roads between Pisa, Siena and Florence. And along her extensive coastline, built as defence against miliatary attacks from both the French and Spanish, as well as many raids by Barbary pirates.
Whether they were originally built as a ruling medieval families defensive position, or as a military fortress with a garisson of soldiers stationed under the command of a captian, many "le Rocce" were later further expanded and developed into "castelli" (castles) and residences for noble families. This Medieval Castles in Maremma page will take you to those that were.
Maremma's Medieval Forts
Listed in alphabetical order of their nearest town or village, these are Maremma's medieval fortresses...
Castell'Azzara
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La Rocca Silvana or Rocca Selvana: a once important and strategic fort for the control of cinnabar mines in Maremma...
Photo courtsey of Paolo Ramponi. |
Roccalbegna
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This virtually impreganable middle ages fortress was built on the summit of the cliff within the centre of the village of Roccalbegna below, dominating it and the river Albegna. It was designed as a refuge in the event of a siege by enemy troops... La Rocca Aldobrandesca.
Photo courtesy of Jambo Jambo. |
Rocchette, Castiglione della Pescaia
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Forte delle RocchetteThis coastal fortification situated on the promontory between Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala, began as a lookout tower and church in the 12th century when it was known as "Rocca de Campo Register". It was later heavily reinforced with curtain walls and a polygonal form... Forte delle Rocchette. Photo by Opaxir. |
Suvereto
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La Rocca AldobrandescaOn the original site of a village of huts, first a defensive stone tower and then a large trapezoid structure were built and occupied by the prestigious Aldobrandeschi family, until the demise of their rule and occupation of the fort by a Pisan garrison... La Rocca Aldobrandesca. Photo courtsey of Paolo Ramponi |
Medieval Spanish Forts in Maremma
During Spanish rule in Tuscany a number of fortresses were built in Maremma: impressive and distinctive examples of Spanish stronghold engineering that still stand today and which make great places to visit... Spanish forts in Maremma.
This kite aerial photography image by Opaxir is of the Spanish fortress at Porto Ercole.
Books about Medieval Fortresses
Looking for more information? These are a selection of books about Medieval Fortresses
Explore Maremma's Medieval History some more...
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