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An important historical and cultural landmark, featuring exhibitions dedicated to the historyArgentario.
The fortress tower overlooking the two inlets that form the port of S. Stefano was built in the early 17th century, and it was thanks to its presence that the first permanent settlement was established in the northern port of theArgentario.
The structure rests on a square foundation measuring 35×35 meters, with walls approximately 6 meters thick and two terraces at different levels.
Over the centuries, it has repeatedly found itself at the center of military conflicts, beginning withthe siege of 1646, when it was struck by more than 500 cannonballs fired from the ships of the French fleet commanded by the young admiral Jean Armand de Maillé Brezé.
In the early1800s, the French reinforced the structure to withstand attacks by British ships. Later, when the entire territory became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, engineers from Lorraine carried out restoration work, focusing primarily on the flooring and the gunpowder magazine to prevent damage caused by moisture.
Afterthe unification of Italy, it ceased to serve a military purpose, and in 1887 it was purchased by the Municipality of Monte Argentario to supply water to Porto S. Stefano via its large underground cisterns.
Shortly after the end of World War II, two buildings were constructed on the highest terrace to temporarily house the municipal offices, which had been destroyed by Allied bombing.
Location: φ = 42° 26’ 15’’ N – λ = 11° 07’ 06’’ E.
How to get there: It is located in the upper part of the town of Porto S. Stefano, in Piazza del Governatore.
Official Instagram of the Spanish Fortress
Hours of operation:
March 14–May31 :Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
June 1–30: daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
July 1–August 31: daily from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00PM
From September 1 to 30: daily from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
From October 1 to 31: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
From November 1 to 30: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
NOTICE: Please be advised that, during events organized or arranged by the Municipal Administration of Monte Argentario, the facility may be closed to the public, even without prior notice. Such closures will be exceptional and temporary. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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
The Spanish Fortress in Porto Santo Stefano is a very interesting place. It is a historic building where you can see ancient military structures, archaeological artifacts, and beautiful views of the sea and the harbor.
However, it is not easily accessible to everyone.
To enter the fortress, you must climb a stone staircase. This staircase is steep, and there is no ramp or elevator. For this reason, people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking cannot enter on their own.
Inside, there are also stairs, steps, and stone floors that may be slippery or uneven. The exhibition halls, which house permanent exhibitions, are located on multiple floors connected only by stairs. There are no elevators or stairlifts.
For this reason, the tour is recommended only for those who can walk on their own, preferably accompanied by someone who can assist them, especially when climbing up to the observation decks.
Although there are many barriers, the exterior of the fortress and the surrounding area can still be visited. They offer an enjoyable experience, even for those who cannot go inside.
