Rocca di Federico II
37-metre tower on the hill of San Miniato, rebuilt in 1958 on the site of the old fortress of Frederick II and open to visitors as part of the Musei Civici.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The so-called Rocca di Federico II dominates the highest hill of San Miniato. It was built between 1217 and 1223 at the behest of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia as part of a defensive system that controlled the Via Francigena, the Valdarno and the routes between Pisa, Lucca, Volterra and Florence. The tower was about 37 metres high and ended in a crown of cylindrical brick columns; pointed blind arches and pinnacles suggest that craftsmen with Sicilian building traditions took part in the work. The fortress was also used as a state prison: according to tradition, Pier della Vigna, the emperor’s adviser whom Dante mentions in Canto XIII of the Inferno, was held here.
After it was abandoned, in 1530 the fortress passed to the naturalist Michele Mercati, who made it his residence. On the night of 23 July 1944, the retreating German troops mined it and razed it to the ground. The tower was faithfully rebuilt in 1958, to a design by the architect Renato Baldi and the engineer Emilio Brizzi, and has become one of the symbols of the town.
Today the Rocca is part of the network of the Musei Civici di San Miniato and is open to the public. The site also tells the story of the medieval defensive system, the decline of the complex, the destruction of 1944, the Faro della Rocca and the reconstruction.
Highlights
- 37-metre tower rebuilt in 1958
- Tower overlooking the Valdarno from the highest hill of San Miniato
- Linked to Frederick II of Swabia and the story of Pier della Vigna
- Account of the destruction of 22–23 July 1944 and of the reconstruction
- Founded
- 1958
- Operated by
- Comune di San Miniato – Musei Civici
- Visitors per year
- approx. 10,743
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Under-18s, students under 25, over-65s and on the occasion of cultural promotion events |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Free admission for children under 14. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companion. |
| Groups | –Groups of up to 15 visitors, excluding tourist guide: €50 per group. |
| Families | €10Two adults with one or more children under 18. |
| Reduced ticket for residents and pilgrims | €2 |
| Combined ticket for 4 sites (Rocca, Palazzo comunale and Oratorio del Loretino, Museo della Memoria, archaeological area) | €6.50 |
| Single ticket for the integrated museum system of San Miniato (civic and private museums) | €10 |
| Extraordinary opening outside regular hours (groups and individuals) | €50 |
Free admission also for teachers accompanying school groups, licensed tourist guides on duty, ICOM members and holders of the Edumusei Card.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and workshops for groups and schools can be booked on +39 345 303 8991. Educational visit for schools: €3 per pupil. |
