Forte di Belvedere or Fortezza di Santa Maria in San Giorgio del Belvedere (Fortezza di Santa Maria in San Giorgio del Belvedere Firenze) is an urban fortification of the late 16th century in Florence, where exhibitions are held today, and which is one of the best viewing platforms of the city.
The fortification is often referred to simply as "Belvedere".
The fortress was built by the Italian architect Bernardo Buontalenti between 1590 and 1595 by order of Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici. Michelangelo was the chief engineer of the fortifications. The fortress was built near the defensive walls and bastion of the city.
The fortress represented the last stage of the Vasari Corridor, which connected it with the Vecchio Palace. There were passages connecting the fortress with the Pitti Palace, and paths leading through the Boboli Gardens.
The fortress served to protect against external enemies, but, above all, as a refuge for the Medici during internal republican conflicts and epidemics, and was also designed to protect the nearby government residence of the Palazzo Pitti, the southern part of the city as a whole, and to demonstrate all the power and greatness of both the Medici themselves and the republic.
The fortress was also intended to store the Medici family treasures, as a cave was discovered next to the deep well of the fortress, which was protected by death traps connected to an opening device. Today this cave is called the "Treasury of the fortress".
Among other things, it was in this fortress that some of the greatest discoveries were made by Galileo Galilei, who used the Belvedere Fort for his astronomical observations.
Today, the Belvedere Fortress is a popular attraction in Florence; one of the two fortresses of the city (the second is the Lower Fortress of Fortezza da Basso, Fortezza da Basso), as well as evidence of Italian military and civil architecture of the Renaissance under the Medici rulers.
The fortress is located on the highest hill of the Boboli Gardens. It is characterized by a polygonal plan and a small villa located in the center - a central building that served as the residence of the Grand Duke in unhealthy times and did not conform to the military principles that the rest of the fort obeyed, but rather as a "Villa Medici", which is a visible sign that it was a fortress-villa, both for personal residence and and for protection.
The fortress offers beautiful panoramic views of Florence, including the historic city center and the Arno River.
Practical information
Today, various exhibitions and events are held on the territory of the fortress. You can also visit the fortress with an excursion.
The cost of the entrance ticket depends on the exhibition being held.
We recommend checking information about opening hours and entrance tickets to the fortress before visiting. Website: musefirenze.it.
The fortress is located on the left (south) side of the Arno River, at address Via San Leonardo 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.
Coordinates of Forte Belvedere: 43°45'48.4"N 11°15'12.7"E (43.763447, 11.253519).
All accommodation facilities in Florence (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here 
