Fortress of Carmignano

A footpath starting from the parish church leads to the Fortress of Carmignano, a stronghold whose position is particularly fascinating for its panoramic view over the Montalbano, the Calvana mountains and part of the Tuscan Apennines. The strategic position dominating the plain between Pistoia, Prato and Florence, was often the scene of violent clashes between the Communes for its possession. The Pistoians first conquered the area in 1125 and began to fortify it. After alternating fortunes, Castruccio Castracani conquered it in 1324. It then passed definitively under the control of Florence, inaugurating a long period of peace and stability. The present-day building complex, dating from around the 14th century, consists of the remains of the three belts of walls and the bell tower, known by the name of Campano. At the centre of the Fortress, in the midst of a woods, stands a small building with some exhibition rooms. In 1990 the Commune of Carmignano bought the Fortress, and has made it a place for exhibitions and cultural events.

Information

• Address: Via del Castello, 1, Carmignano

• Ticket: free entrance

• Accessibility for disabled: no

• Phone: 055 8712468

• GPX coordinates: 43.8108538,11.0123211