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The Cittadella

The Cittadella, together with the fortress of Sarzanello, is one of the two splendid castles of Sarzana. A work of the most famous military architects of the medieval period and the most important building in Sarzana’s city walls. It was completely destroyed in 1487 during the War of Serrezzana and then rebuilt by Lorenzo de' Medici.


Historical signs:
the first Sarzana fortress, "Firmafede", was built in 1249 together with the city walls by the Pisans allied with Sarzana. In 1324 Castruccio Castracani made several important changes to the defences. The entire complex was destroyed by the Florentines led by Lorenzo De' Medici in 1487 during the "War of Serrezzana". The present Cittadella was built on the remains of the previous fortress on the orders of Lorenzo the Magnificent using the best Florentine military architects of the period including Giuliano da Sangallo, Francesco di Giovanni called “il Francione” and Luca da Caprina. In 1494 the Genoese regained possession of Sarzana, thanks to it being sold by Carlo VIII to Banco di San Giorgio, and they completed the rebuild of the Cittadella. The fortress was the subject of other modifications and fortification in the XV and XVI centuries and it was still being used as a prison until only a few decades ago. Today it is frequently used as a venue for events and exhibitions.

Environment:
The Cittadella is a valuable example of Renaissance military architecture at its highest level. Situated in the south-east corner of the city wall it worthily completes the fascination of the grand fortified city representing one of the most imposing castle constructions in all Liguria. The Cittadella is dominated by the nearby Fortezza di Sarzanello situated on the top of a hill directly behind the city.

Access roads:
From Via G. Mazzini, within the old city wall, to the left before Porta Romana you enter Via della Cittadella which takes you to the entrance to the fortress.

The Cittadella (Fortress of Firmafede)

The Fortress of Sarzanello

Walls and Donjons