Forte San Giovanni

About

The Fort is today, together with the fortress of Castelfranco, one of the best-preserved examples of defensive structures built by the Spanish Crown in the Finale area. The fortification, designed by Francesco Prestino, a military engineer in the service of the State of Milan, assumed its definitive form in 1644. In its construction, which was carried out thanks to the daily employment of hundreds of men, the ancient defensive tower of Becchignolo, from the medieval era, was incorporated. The position of Forte San Giovanni was strategic both for defending the roads connecting to the hinterland and for discouraging potential uprisings from the population: its imposing bastioned walls, topped by hanging sentry boxes, have dominated the landscape of Finalborgo for centuries.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes