The fort at Montecarlo

The twelfth century fort is situated north-west of the Montecarlo hill. When it was first built, it consisted of a central semi-circular shaped tower known as the ‘mastio’ and two square shaped towers. The towers are positioned in a triangular formation and together are an impressive and imposing structure.
Over the centuries, the fort has undergone a great deal of restoration work and alterations. At the end of the fourteenth century it was restored by Mastro Lanfranco da Como and then during the fifteenth century is was altered again, possibly by Paolo Giungi, an important figure from Lucca. Cosimo de Medici also had a hand in further works carried out in the sixteenth century. He added the imposing bastions and Florentine arches which can still be admired today from the town side of the fort. The reason why so much attention has been paid to this fort throughout history is thanks to its strategic position near the Lucca plain and the Valdinevole area.
Today, the fort is open to the public as an exhibition centre where shows, conventions and other cultural events are held.
The atmosphere inside the fort is one of calm and tranquillity. Many historic military items are on display, as well as evidence of the fort being used as a residence in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Opening hours
May-October: Saturday and Sunday 4pm-7pm
November – April: open for groups by appointment only (please call 0583 22401)

Entry fee
€5,00 single entry ticket
€8,00 guided tour / €3,00 guided tour for school groups

Disabled access
In part

Contact information
via Fortezza 4
Montecarlo (Lucca)
Telephone 0583 22401; 328 8082858
E-mail fortezzadimontecarlo@virgilio.it
www.fortezzadimontecarlo.it