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An example of military engineering which, despite its asymmetry, today offers a spectacular view and stands as a valuable testament to the area’s defensive history.
As the name suggests, it was built in the spring of 1558 on the orders of Philip II to fill a gap in Porto Ercole’s defensive system.
In fact, from this 118-meter-high hill, to the left of the harbor, it was easy to bombard the fortress,the landing area, and the old town. Here, too, Giovanni Camerini and Chiappino Vitelli left their mark.
No expense was spared in the construction of this state-of-the-art facility, and approximately 900 men worked on it.
The fortress lacks symmetry in order to adapt to the terrain. It consists of a double row of bastions separated by a dry moat, with four casemate bombards to protect the central curtain walls.
The interior flooring was not nailed down but secured with nails so that it could be torn up if necessary and used as a weapon to hurl at the besiegers.
On the north side, a walkway branches off from a ravelin and connects to the Mulinaccio, a coastal battery overlooking Cala Galera that once housed a windmill.
Both of these structures are closed to the public; however, it’s still worth taking a walk along the outer walkway of Forte Filippo, where you can admire the imposing scarp walls and enjoy a breathtaking view.
On foot: From the town center, take Via Filippo II, then follow a dirt path uphill until you reach the fort’s entrance, next to the ramparts. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
By car:You can drive up the narrow Via di San Rocco, on the left before the descent into town. The road becomes very bumpy and is partly private, though it is usually accessible.
Inside the fort:
Private and not accessible: many areas are used as residences and are not open to the public. You can only walk along the outer perimeter walkway, which offers splendid views.
Exterior and walls:
You can walk along the walls, but the uneven ground and steps may pose a challenge for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility
