Sarzana Citadel

The other name for what is known as Sarzana Cittadella, Fortezza Firmafede, is because of the ancient fortress from 1262, called Pisan of Ferma Fede, on which it was built. It was built under the auspices of Lorenzo de Medici "il Magnifico" (1449-1492), whose aim was to protect the town of Sarzana, which was, at that time, one of the frontier towns of his dominions. Unfortunately, he died five years after the work began and his successor, Piero, ceded it to Charles VII when he marched on the city. Shortly after, the construction was transferred to the hands of the Banco di San Giorgio. The fortress gradually lost its importance because of the arrival of firearms as well as political vicissitudes.