Medici Fortress of Arezzo

History

From the Cassero to the fortress

The area probably housed a medieval citadel. In 1319 the Cassero di San Donato was built, demolished by the people of Arezzo in 1343 and rebuilt in 1344; between 1384 and 1398 it was again demolished and rebuilt by the Florentines, who had become masters of the city.

The Sangallo and Cosimo I

After the Arezzo revolt of 1502 the Republic of Florence ordered its reconstruction according to the principles of modern fortification, entrusting it to Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo. The present fortress was built between 1538 and 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici, with works directed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger; to clear the field of fire for artillery, the Palazzo del Comune with the Torre Rossa, the Palazzo Tarlati and about 17 churches were demolished. In their place arose the esplanade of the Prato. At the beginning of the 19th century the French tried to blow it up with mines; it was restored in 1868 and, after passing to the Fossombroni, became the property of the Municipality by will in 1893.

What to see

It has an irregular pentagonal plan, adapted to the terrain, with five bastions (Belvedere, Spina, Chiesa, Soccorso and Diacciaia), a wide moat and interior spaces with rooms, galleries, wells and air vents. It is part of the city’s walls and stands on the esplanade of the Prato (305 m).

Where it is

On the Colle di San Donato, in viale B. Buozzi, in Arezzo. It should not be confused with other Medici fortresses in Tuscany, such as those of Siena and Volterra.

Practical information

Tickets and where to buy them

To be confirmed.

Opening days and hours

To be confirmed.

Where to eat

To be confirmed.

Parking and services

To be confirmed.

Accessibility and other information

To be confirmed.

Opening hours, prices and services often change: before your visit, call the official number or check the castle’s website. Last checked: November 2026.

Sources: Wikipedia – Fortezza Medicea (Arezzo)