Fortezza Spagnola

The Spanish Fortress is an impressive coastal fortification located on a hill, in the town of Porto Santo Stefano, capital of the municipality of Monte Argentario. The complex was built by the Spaniards in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the French were strengthening the defensive structure. After the Unification of Italy, the Fortress continued to carry out military functions as a strategic stronghold during the First World War, and after the Second World War were added to the two buildings on the higher terrace. A series of renovations have helped to bring the entire complex to its former glory, and is used as a Museum since 1997, with the inauguration of exhibitions on topics of the territory. It develops quadrangular, with huge bases in the top shoe that culminate with a crowning bulging shelves and gratings. The external walls have some sections coated stone and others in plaster, with numerous slits at various heights. The access is placed on the side facing the ground, where the input is preceded by a long flight of stairs which ends with a bridge. A series of walkways connect the various parts of the building. The Fortress now houses the permanent exhibition "Flooded Memories" and "Masters of ax".