Forte Falcone
Medici fortress in Portoferraio with multi-level bastions, the Fronte d'Attacco and a 360° panorama over the town and the coast of the island of Elba.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Forte Falcone is the dominant structure of the Medici defensive system that encloses Portoferraio, the ancient Cosmopoli. Construction began in 1548 to a design by Giovanni Camerini and was completed only in 1701. It stands on high ground on the western side of the promontory north of the harbour.
The fortress has an irregular quadrangular plan, with a bastion at each corner, and is surrounded by an outer wall. The walls, faced in brick, rest on sloping bases that follow the rocky ground. Inside are the quarters of the garrison, the powder magazine and the armoury. Together with Forte Stella and the Linguella, it was one of the city's main strongholds, with defensive and lookout functions.
Today the fort is open to visitors and managed by Cosimo de' Medici srl. The route includes the Fronte d'Attacco, a large complex of fortifications that closes the historic centre to the west, with a walkway along the walls and panoramic views from the terraces.
Highlights
- Multi-level bastions descending towards the sea
- Fronte d'Attacco, the large fortified complex on the landward side
- 360° panorama over the town and the coast
- Former garrison quarters, powder magazine and armoury
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Comune di Portoferraio (gestione: Cosimo de' Medici srl)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
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| Reduced | €6 |
| Cosmopoli Card (7 days: Forte Falcone, Fortezze medicee, Museo della Linguella, Teatro dei Vigilanti, Pinacoteca and Villa romana delle Grotte), full price | €20 |
| Cosmopoli Card, reduced | €15 |
| Cosmopoli Card, family (minimum 3 people) | €15 |
The single ticket at €8 (reduced €6) is valid for Forte Falcone, the Fortezze medicee and the archaeological area of the Linguella.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
There are two entrances: from the seafront and square, access to the bastions is at the end of Via Guerrazzi, the road called Porta a Terra; those already on the promontory can enter more conveniently from Forte Falcone, at the end of the street of the same name.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | One Museionline listing mentions guided tours; the operator's website does not list any. |
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