The Forte Gonzaga, a star-shaped fortress that sits on the outskirts of Messina, got its start around 1540. The Viceroy of Sicily, Ferrante Gonzaga, launched an ambitious military project at the behest of Emperor Charles V of Habsburg to safeguard Messina against potential land attacks. The fortress, designed by the architect Antonio Ferramolino from Bergamo, was largely intact after various earthquakes that hit Messina. Today, Forte Gonzaga, surrounded by lush greenery, remains publicly accessible, a testament to the architectural prowess of the time.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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