The majestic fortress that dominates the Ancient Harbour is known by all as Michelangelo Fortress, because, according to a tradition not supported by historical documents, the great Michelangelo would have designed the octagonal tower. It is one of the greatest of the Renaissance, whose construction would have been the collaboration between artists such as Bramante, Antonio da Sangallo, Giulio Merisi, Giovanni Mangone. It is also known as Giulius II Fortress in honor of Pope Giulius II della Rovere, in whose presence the first stone was placed, December 14, 1508. It has impressive measures: the walls have a thickness varying between 6 and 7.60 meters; the largest side measures 100 meters long, the smaller side 82; the large central octagonal tower is 23 meters high, the 4 corner towers 16 meters.
The fortress was erected on the remains of Roman buildings and a small chapel dedicated to Santa Fermina, patron saint of the city, which was incorporated into the building, at the southwest corner, in a small space called “Santa Fermina cave”.
Completed in 1550, it was the symbol and bastion of papal power until 1870: since then the tricolor has flown on the tallest tower.
Michelangelo Fortress
