The Fortress, crowned with battlements, was built in the 10^th century, and still stands today in a dominant position over the little town of Montemurlo, surrounded by a lovely garden filled with trees and a superb park of ilexes. From its original function of defence structure it was converted to an elegant residence already in the late 15th century. The south side of the building, made of stone, is unusual in shape, with rounded edges; from it can be admired an exceptional panorama sweeping from Florence to Prato and then as far as Pistoia.
On the 2nd of August 1537, the Fortress was the site of the last attempt at overthrowing the Medici family led by Baccio Valori, Filippo Strozzi and Anton Francesco Albizi with other Florentine families hostile to Cosimo dei Medici. The leaders of the plot were however defeated and executed.
On the square of the fortress is also the Parish church of St John the Baptist.
The Fortress is now private property, but can be visited upon agreement with the owners.ù

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