In a dominating position, surrounded by wild nature, rising on a steep cliff overhanging the valley, this fortress was build in the late 11^th - early 12^th century by the Alberti counts. Still today a 14^th century stone bridge, which has survived the destruction of the last world war, crosses the Bisenzio river and leads to a steep, difficult path that climbs up to the Fortress.
In addition to its defensive purpose, it was the residence of the feudal lords until it was sold in 1361 by Niccolò degli Alberti to the Commune of Florence, According to an ancient legend, Dante Alighieri, fugitive from Florence, arrived at the stronghold seeking refuge on a cold night in 1285, but was sent away. The fortified building complex, made of local sandstone, still saves the traces of two belts of walls: in the first, the lower one, is a portal beyond which are the remains of a medieval apsed oratory; in the second are a barrel-vaulted cistern and service areas. In the central core are the remains of the donjon. Access to the still consistent remains is possible through a trekking route. What remains of the imposing building is clearly visible from the road or from the neighboring Gricigliana (Villa Novellucci area).

The Fortress is one of the four fortifications that you meet along the Route of the fortresses, which joins Montemurlo to the Bisenzio Valley.