Belvedere Fortress

The Forte di Belvedere, also known as the Fortress of Santa Maria in San Giorgio del Belvedere, is one of the most imposing fortifications in Florence, built between 1590 and 1595 commissioned by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici. Designed by architect Bernardo Buontalenti, the fortress is located on the Boboli hill, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills. The construction of the Forte di Belvedere was motivated by the need to protect Florence from potential external attacks and internal uprisings. During the siege of Florence in 1530, the strategic importance of the location had already been recognized, and Buontalenti used advanced fortification principles for the time, creating a structure with five bastions and a triangular bulwark that gave the fortress a characteristic star-shaped plan. The fortress was not only a military defense work, but also a symbol of the power and sophistication of the Medici, integrating elements of luxury and comfort that reflected the status of the grand ducal family. At the center of the fortress is the Palazzina di Belvedere, an elegant villa designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati around 1570, before the construction of the fortress itself. The villa served as a safe refuge for the Medici in case of danger and as a storage for the state treasury. Its basement was equipped with advanced security systems, including trap mechanisms and the ability to flood the rooms to protect valuable assets from potential intruders. Despite its imposing defensive structure, the Forte di Belvedere was never involved in real sieges or battles. In the 18th century, Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo opened the fortress to the public, allowing citizens to enjoy its spectacular views of Florence. This decision marked the beginning of a new era for the fortress, which transitioned from a military structure to a space for leisure and culture. After a period of decline and abandonment in the post-war period, the fortress underwent significant restoration work in the 1950s and 1990s, restoring it to its former glory. Today, the Forte di Belvedere is one of the main exhibition venues in Florence, hosting contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Internationally renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Dani Karavan, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Antony Gormley have exhibited their works in this evocative setting, offering a unique dialogue between modern art and Renaissance architecture.