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The Medici Fortress was finished in 1474. You can find it near Porta a Selci and Parco Enrico Fiumi. It is visible from Viale dei Ponti, Parco Fiumi and from Monumento ai caduti. Moreover, it is visible from far and is recognizable by his long walls and by his wonderful tower.
History
It is composed by "Rocca Vecchia" (Femmina or Cassero) built by the leader of Florence in 1342, Duca of Atene Gualtieri VI of Brienne. Moreover, it is composed by "Rocca Nuova", called "Mastio". This building was built thanks to Lorenzo il Magnifico in 1475. The purpose was to defend and to control the city of Volterra.
Today the fortress serves as a medium-security prison. It is not accessible to visitors so you can't enter it. However, it can be visited during some special events like 'Cene Galeotte' where some prisoners usually prepare some food for its guests.
The prison can hold up to 189 prisoners but at the moment there are 174.
Nowadays , most prisoners have the possibility to do learning and workshop activities. Furthermore, there are two gyms and a football or tennis fields. Afterwards there is the opportunity to go for a walk inside the garden and there are places where the prisoners can practice their religion.
You should be aware that visiting that enormous fortress is not that easy. Certainly you will not have problems to find that jail.
The prison can be reached through:
Parco Fiumi, by Via del castello.
Viale dei ponti, by Porta a Selci.
Porta Marcoli, by the historical centre or out of the wall by "Monumento ai caduti".
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