Forte Falcone

There are two entrances to Forte Falcone: arriving from the seafront or the square, the bastion entrance is located at the end of Via Guerrazzi—commonly known as “Porta a Terra”, as it leads to the second entrance of the Medici city. For those already at the top of the promontory, access is easier from Forte Falcone, at the end of the street bearing the same name.

Forte Falcone is the dominant structure of Portoferraio’s massive Medicean fortifications. This military fortress, consisting of bastions built at different levels sloping towards the sea, was one of the city’s main defence points along with Forte Stella and La Linguella. Gradually reinforced, these sites served as military residences and observation posts.

The walkway along the 'Fronte d’Attacco' (Front of Attack) is particularly impressive, a majestic architectural structure that forms the western edge of ancient Cosmopoli—the city of Cosimo. The 360° panoramic view over the town and coastline from Forte Falcone’s terraces is simply unforgettable.