Fortezza Pia
The Fortezza Pia is an ancient fortress located on the town’s highest hill, the Colle dell’Annunziata (formerly known as Pelasgic Hill). Some believe a castle had already been built on the same site in the Roman Age and destroyed by Gneo Pompeo Strabone.
The fortress is named after Pope Pius IV, who wanted it to be rebuilt in 1560. The new project included the addition of bastions on the southern side and the renovation of the other sides of the structure. Moreover, the eastern bastions were moved forward to allow crossfire from the embrasures. The Fortress was part of a complex defensive system connected to Porta Romana’s fortification through a passage along the walls.
The fortress is named after Pope Pius IV, who wanted it to be rebuilt in 1560. The new project included the addition of bastions on the southern side and the renovation of the other sides of the structure. Moreover, the eastern bastions were moved forward to allow crossfire from the embrasures. The Fortress was part of a complex defensive system connected to Porta Romana’s fortification through a passage along the walls.
