The Forte Gonzaga, a star-shaped fortress that sits on the top of Colle del Tirone (or Monte Piselli) in Messina, got its start around 1540. The Viceroy of Sicily, Ferrante Gonzaga, launched an ambitious military project to safeguard the city against potential land attacks through the Peloritani.
The fortress, designed by the military architect Antonio Ferramolino from Bergamo, introduced modern bastioned structures to the island. It was built as part of an extensive defensive system for the city and remained substantially intact after various earthquakes that hit Messina.
Today, Forte Gonzaga is owned by the municipality and is open to the public. It features a low profile with a strong scarp, a star-shaped plan with six large triangular bastions, and a perimeter surrounded by moats.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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