Description of the attraction
Fortezza Spagnola is an impressive coastal fortress located on an elevated position in Porto Santo Stefano, the center of Monte Argentario. The fortification complex was built by the Spaniards in the late 16th and early 17th centuries after Porto Santo Stefano became part of the state formation of the Stato dei Presidia. In the 15th century, the Sienese erected the Torre di Santo Stefano tower on the same site. Some fragments of this tower, demolished by the Spaniards, were later used in the construction of the fortress.
Work on the construction of Fortezza Spagnola was carried out slowly, and was completed only in 1636. Military engineer Pedro Alvarez worked on the project of the defensive complex. For several centuries, Fortezza Spagnola performed its role perfectly, withstanding and repelling the attacks of numerous enemies. At the beginning of the 19th century, the French fortified the entire structure to withstand the attacks of British troops, which often happened during Napoleon's reign. Then the fortress became the possession of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and after the unification of Italy continued to perform defensive functions, becoming a strategic point during the First World War. After the Second World War, two buildings were added to Fortezza Spagnola to temporarily house public institutions, since Porto Santo Stefano itself was almost completely destroyed. In the second half of the 20th century, a number of restoration works were carried out in the Spanish fortress, as a result of which the defensive complex regained its former power and splendor.
Today, Fortezza Spagnola is an imposing quadrangle-shaped building with a sloping base. Part of the walls of the fortress is covered with plaster, the other is lined with stone. Numerous loopholes are located at different heights. The complex is accessed from the land-facing side - a long flight of stairs with a bridge leads to the main entrance. Several hiking trails, as well as covered staircases, connect different parts of the fortress. Inside, at the level of the sloping base, you can see the cisterns that provided Fortezza Spagnola with drinking water, and on the upper levels are the living quarters for the sentries. Today, the fortress houses the Museum of Ship Craftsmanship and an archaeological exhibition.
