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Between Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, Monte Argentario preserves some of the most spectacular fortifications in Maremma.
Star-shaped forts, Spanish bastions and medieval strongholds tell the story of centuries when this promontory was a strategic point in the Mediterranean. Today, many of these sites also offer some of the most beautiful views along the coast.
1. Forte Stella: the star-shaped fortress of Monte Argentario
2. Forte Filippo: Porto Ercole from above
3. Rocca Spagnola in Porto Ercole: the guardian of the village
4. Spanish Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano
1. Forte Stella: the star-shaped fortress of Monte Argentario
• Above Porto Ercole, Forte Stella is probably the most distinctive fortification on Monte Argentario. Its characteristic six-pointed star shape makes it instantly recognisable.
• Built during Spanish rule, it formed part of the defensive system of the State of the Presidi, connecting the coastal watchtowers with the other fortresses protecting Porto Ercole.
• Here you can actually step inside the fortress: after crossing the bridge over the former moat, you can explore its inner walkways and terraces, with views stretching across the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monte Argentario and as far as Giannutri.
Tickets: €4 full price | €2 reduced
Free admission: children up to 6 years old and visitors with disabilities accompanied by a companion. Payment by card.
• Above Porto Ercole, Forte Stella is probably the most distinctive fortification on Monte Argentario. Its characteristic six-pointed star shape makes it instantly recognisable.
• Built during Spanish rule, it formed part of the defensive system of the State of the Presidi, connecting the coastal watchtowers with the other fortresses protecting Porto Ercole.
• Here you can actually step inside the fortress: after crossing the bridge over the former moat, you can explore its inner walkways and terraces, with views stretching across the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monte Argentario and as far as Giannutri.
Tickets: €4 full price | €2 reduced
Free admission: children up to 6 years old and visitors with disabilities accompanied by a companion. Payment by card.
2. Forte Filippo: Porto Ercole from above
• On the promontory overlooking Cala Galera and Porto Ercole stands Forte Filippo, built from 1558 onwards by order of Philip II of Spain.
• Its bastions were designed to meet the new military requirements created by the use of artillery and formed part of the same defensive system as Forte Stella and the Rocca.
• Today the situation is quite unusual: the interior of the fort is privately owned and cannot normally be visited, as part of the complex has been converted into residences.
• However, you can walk free of charge around the exterior and perimeter walkway, known as the “ronda di Forte Filippo”, which offers magnificent views over Porto Ercole, the Orbetello Lagoon, Ansedonia and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Free access to the exterior route.
Tip: wear comfortable shoes, as the final section includes unpaved surfaces, steps and uneven ground.
• On the promontory overlooking Cala Galera and Porto Ercole stands Forte Filippo, built from 1558 onwards by order of Philip II of Spain.
• Its bastions were designed to meet the new military requirements created by the use of artillery and formed part of the same defensive system as Forte Stella and the Rocca.
• Today the situation is quite unusual: the interior of the fort is privately owned and cannot normally be visited, as part of the complex has been converted into residences.
• However, you can walk free of charge around the exterior and perimeter walkway, known as the “ronda di Forte Filippo”, which offers magnificent views over Porto Ercole, the Orbetello Lagoon, Ansedonia and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Free access to the exterior route.
Tip: wear comfortable shoes, as the final section includes unpaved surfaces, steps and uneven ground.
3. Rocca Spagnola in Porto Ercole: the guardian of the village
• Above the historic centre of Porto Ercole stands the Rocca, which developed from an early tower built by the Aldobrandeschi in 1296 and was later enlarged by the Sienese and the Spanish.
• Over the centuries, it served as a military fortress, prison and lighthouse. After the Second World War, it was sold to private owners and some of the buildings were converted into residences.
• Its position remains extraordinary: the Rocca overlooks the old village and the sea from a height of more than 70 metres.
The approximately 5.8 km Porto Ercole Loop, taking around 1–1.5 hours, offers several viewpoints from which to admire the Rocca.
• Above the historic centre of Porto Ercole stands the Rocca, which developed from an early tower built by the Aldobrandeschi in 1296 and was later enlarged by the Sienese and the Spanish.
• Over the centuries, it served as a military fortress, prison and lighthouse. After the Second World War, it was sold to private owners and some of the buildings were converted into residences.
• Its position remains extraordinary: the Rocca overlooks the old village and the sea from a height of more than 70 metres.
The approximately 5.8 km Porto Ercole Loop, taking around 1–1.5 hours, offers several viewpoints from which to admire the Rocca.
4. Spanish Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano: maritime history overlooking the harbour
• In the heart of Porto Santo Stefano, above the seafront, stands the Spanish Fortress, built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries to control the northern harbour of Monte Argentario.
• Unlike many other fortifications on the promontory, this one can regularly be visited inside.
• The Fortress also houses the permanent exhibition “Memorie sommerse – Archeologia subacquea in Toscana”, dedicated to archaeological finds and evidence recovered from the waters around Monte Argentario.
Tickets: €4 full price | €2 reduced
From the upper part of the Fortress, you can admire Porto Santo Stefano, the harbour and the open sea, making the visit worthwhile even if military history is not your main interest.
• In the heart of Porto Santo Stefano, above the seafront, stands the Spanish Fortress, built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries to control the northern harbour of Monte Argentario.
• Unlike many other fortifications on the promontory, this one can regularly be visited inside.
• The Fortress also houses the permanent exhibition “Memorie sommerse – Archeologia subacquea in Toscana”, dedicated to archaeological finds and evidence recovered from the waters around Monte Argentario.
Tickets: €4 full price | €2 reduced
From the upper part of the Fortress, you can admire Porto Santo Stefano, the harbour and the open sea, making the visit worthwhile even if military history is not your main interest.