The Medici Fort at PoggioImperiale was built for Lorenzo de Medici. It has been magnificently restored and visitors can now enjoy a 1.5 km walk around the walls with a beautiful panoramic view across the surrounding Chianti countryside, its castles, churches and nearby San Gimignano.
Taking a stroll around the fort is a local pastime. Come along and listen to archaeologists as they share their knowledge of the hillside where recent excavations have been carried out. There are two different themed tours:
Archaeological Tour – this experience includes a double guided tour of both the Documentation Center and Archeodromo. The Documentation Center, in the heart of the Cassero, houses archaeological research including illustrated reconstructions, artefacts and models that show the most important buildings that came to light during the dig on the hillside. Archeodromo is in the archaeological area itself and is an open-air museum with a life-size reconstruction of the center of the village as it would have been in the 9th century. It includes a large longhouse (over 140 m) and a nearby area for ancient artisan crafts. The Archeodromo provides visitors with a full-immersion experience of life in the past, where visitors can get to know what rural life was like 1200 years ago. Each visit lasts approx. 2 hours.
Architectural History Tour – this tour explores innovative Renaissance military architecture as seen in the fort and ramparts of the Cassero. Skilled archaeologists will guide you around the walls that encircle the hilltop, explaining architectural techniques and military tactics. You can also visit the Exhibition Rooms to find out more about the history of PoggioImperiale.
