Forte di Capo Passero, Portopalo di capo Passero, Italy

Fort di Capo Passero is located on a small island Isola di Capo Passero. It was commissioned in 1599 by the crown of Spain. Developed by Giovanni Antonio del Nobile, a German-sicilian architect, the fort was built to combat the dangers of severe and violent pirate activity in the Mediterranean region. Throughout the years, the fort remained a highly sought after naval resource as it was the guardian of the entrance to Europe. Whoever controlled the fort was considered to control the entrance to Europe.

During the 18th century the fort was used as a military prison. However on December 30, 1866 a Royal Decree halted military prison activity in the fort. In 1871 a lighthouse was built in the terrace of the fort, which was operated by the Italian Navy until it was fully decommissioned in the late 1950s.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Rosalba Leanza (2 years ago)
This Spanish fortress has its own charm. The island is totally wild and contains adventure and history. Breathtaking landscape…

Giovanni Secinaro (3 years ago)
Islet reachable by swimming or with a pedal boat. Very suggestive place, perhaps a little abandoned but really beautiful.

Katina Moore (4 years ago)
This was part of the Sig MWR camping trip we snorkled and saw colums from an ancient Roman Temple under water...had lunch on the boat..swam to to shore to see the forte (forte was free).

Giacomo Anelli (5 years ago)
Spectacular extreme point of Italy.

Fabrizio Pivari (5 years ago)
Majestic fort overlooking the island

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