A true gem of late 16th-century military architecture, it is located 157 meters above sea level on a hill south of Porto Ercole and takes its name from the star-shaped layout of its central core: a six-pointed star situated at the center of a large quadrilateral enclosure, defended by four bastions, built in 1676.
The sides of the star are 10 meters long, while the perimeter walls of the enclosure are approximately 40 meters long and 5 meters high.
The two bodies are not symmetrical:the median axis of the base is rotated clockwise by about 10° relative to the median axis passing through two opposite corners of the star.
The walls of the star-shaped structure feature a number of embrasures, each with a pair of loopholes that facilitated both crossfire and grazing fire.
The terrace is protected by a sturdy parapet, with several embrasures cut into it for the use of cannons.
The parapet walkway, which runs parallel to the parapet, widens at the embrasures to accommodate the artillery pieces.
Above the eastern corner stands a sentry box with a small bell gable on its facade.
The center of the terrace features a hexagonal skylight that opens up to the interior of the building and provides light to the rooms below.
The interior consists of six irregularly shaped rooms arranged around an open-air hexagonal courtyard.
The terrace, where the artillery pieces and the gunpowder store were located, was accessed via a circular stone staircase.
La Estrella Fort is mentioned and noted on several occasions in various documents and numerous maps dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
The site is open to the public from April to September and often hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
Location: φ = 42° 23’ 05” N – λ = 11° 11’ 56” E.
Directions: Follow Provincial Road 161 until you see signs for Porto Ercole; as soon as you enter the town, take the road on the right that leads to the Fort.
Hours of operation:
April1–June 15: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidaysfrom10:30 a.m.to12:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
June 16–30: daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
July 1–August 31: daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
From September 1 to 15: daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
From September 16 to 30: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Admission ticket:
Full price : €4.00
Reduced: €2.00
Residents, groups of at least 15 people, school groups, teachers, tour guides, children ages 7–12, seniors over 65, university students up to age 25, holders of the Carta Giovani Europa
Free: Children up to age 6, people with disabilities accompanied by a caregiver.
Payment methods: We accept card payments only
