Fortezza Medicea: A Fortress Turned Public Park
Explore Siena's Fortezza Medicea: a historic fortress turned public park with stunning views, cultural events, and the Enoteca Italiana.
The Fortezza Medicea, also known as Forte di Santa Barbara, is a 16th-century fortress in Siena transformed into a public park in 1937. Built by Cosimo de' Medici between 1561 and 1563, it offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Today, it hosts cultural events and houses the Enoteca Italiana.
A brief summary to Fortezza Medicea
- Piazza Caduti delle Forze Armate, Siena, Province of Siena, 53100, IT
- +390577292111
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the Enoteca Italiana inside the fortress to sample a variety of Italian wines.
- Walk along the fortress walls for panoramic views of Siena and the surrounding countryside.
- Check the event schedule for concerts and cultural performances held in the amphitheater.
- Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent La Lizza gardens.
Getting There
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Walking
From Piazza del Campo, walk north along Via di Città, then turn right onto Via Banchi di Sopra. Continue onto Via Giuseppe Mazzini, then turn left onto Viale Cesare Maccari. Turn right onto Piazza Caduti delle Forze Armate. The Fortezza Medicea will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Siena Train Station, take bus lines 3, 8, 10, 17, or 77 to Piazza del Sale. From there, follow the walking directions. A bus ticket costs €1.50 if purchased beforehand. Alternatively, from Piazza Gramsci, take the Pollicino bus.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from the Siena Train Station and Piazza Indipendenza. A taxi ride from the train station to the Fortezza Medicea typically costs between €15-€17. Expect to pay more to get across town. Calling a taxi in Siena will cost €3.30 during the day and €5.50 during the night and on holidays.
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Parking
If driving, use the public parking lot located along the western wall of the structure. This is one of the largest lots in the city. The car park Stadio-Fortezza costs €2.00/hour from 7 AM to 8 PM annually. Daily rate: €26.00.
Discover more about Fortezza Medicea
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