Belvedere Fort

The Fortress of San Giorgio, better known as Forte di Belvedere, was founded in 1590 during the reign of Grand Duke Ferdinando I and built to designs by Bernardo Buontalenti. As well as defending the city from outside attacks—a role it never actually had to fulfil—the fortress could be reached in times of danger from Palazzo Pitti through the Boboli Gardens. This connection remains in use, and the ramparts offer breathtaking views over the city and its surroundings. Within the ramparts stands the elegant Palazzina di Belvedere, which predates the fortress and was probably designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati around 1570. It became the Medici strongbox: their valuables were kept at the bottom of a shaft inside the building, where anyone trying to force the lock would trigger a trap and be impaled. Elegant and enviably situated, the palazzina usually hosts exhibitions.