This splendid example of Fortress, placed on the outskirts of Florence, has remained intact to this day, because it was never once attacked.
It dates back to 1534, during the reign of Duke Alessandro. With the return to power in Florence of the Medici family after the dramatic siege of 1529-30, was built in record time from a design by the great architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, with the help of Pierfrancesco da Viterbo.
It seems rather to have been built as a protection from its external enemies.
Strangely enough, throughout all its long history, which dates from 1533 when Sangallo received his commission, this indestructible fortress was never once attacked.
The Fortress, originally known as San Giovanni Battista Fortress, named after St. John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of the city, is also an exquisite example of Renaissance architecture.
The facade of the outer walls is carried out in round diamond-pointed projecting stone ashlars, perhaps inspired by the coat of arms of the Medici family, who ordered its construction. The interior is dominated by the majestic octagonal guard house covered with a dome and fortified terrace.
A cycloptic building with powerful bastions bristling with turrets, full of narrow passages, parapet walks and secret passages. In the 1800's the Fortezza was elaborated with the construction of the stable and arms warehouse. Today the entrance is on viale Filippo Strozzi and is easily reached by an elevated pedestrian walkway.