Fort San Giorgio

You are on:

Livorno / What to do and see / Fort San Giorgio

The fortification to defend Capraia

Fort San Giorgio

The fortification to defend Capraia

Fort San Giorgio

The fortification to defend Capraia

From pirate fortress to luxury residence

Silent but eloquent witness to historical events that have shaped the destiny of Capraia, Forte San Giorgio is a place you absolutely cannot miss. This imposing fortress, which dominates the northeastern side of the island, was built by the Republic of Genoa in response to a famous act of piracy perpetrated by the terrible corsair Dragut. In June of the same year, Dragut bombarded Capraia for 4 days, destroying the ancient Castello Pisano that protected it.

Fortunately, thanks to the Genoese, the new fortress was completed in a few years. When Dragut returned to Capraia in 1545 with over 600 men to plunder it, the island was well protected and the pirate had to give up without causing too much damage. Over time, Forte San Giorgio has been transformed from a defensive fortress into a dormitory, hotel, and even a disco. Today, it has been renovated to create private apartments.

Il Corsaro Dragut

Discovering unsolved secrets and mysteries

Despite the changes in its use, the ancient structure still hides some of its most curious peculiarities. The floor of the large ballroom, dominated by an impressive fireplace, for example, hides a first secret: the ancient Church of Capraia, which was active from 1400 to 1760 and also used as a burial place, houses the skeletons of 150 people. An unsolved mystery that continues to stimulate the curiosity of historians and visitors. Who were these people? Why were they buried stacked on top of each other? And above all… why were they all men?

In the Bastione di Scirocco, you can explore the remains of the homes of the people of Capraia, dating back to the period after the attack by Dragut (1540-1551). These ruins provide a unique glimpse into life on the island immediately after that devastating event. Among the peculiarities, it is worth noting the underground room in the Bastione di Tramontana, which was once used as a salt warehouse and represents a fascinating example of architectural ingenuity with its raised floor. A massive landslide occurred in the 19th century and is still visible from the sea, hitting the eastern side of the fort, causing numerous casualties among the residents and destroying the “Quartiere delle donne” (Women’s Quarter), which included a nunnery.

Useful informations

Who:

Alone, Children and families, Groups, In pairs, With friends
When:

Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter
What:
Other characteristics

Free, Outdoors, Reachable by public transport, Without reservation