Le fortificazioni della Toscana tirrenica: evoluzione geo-storica e condizioni attuali

The fortifications system of Tyrrhenian Tuscany – covers a timespan from Medieval Age to 19th century. It is composed by more than 150 structures. Among these fortified towns, single forts (called “ridotto” or “batteria”), wachtowers and placements (called small houses or hut) used to soldiers and coastguards’s mansions. This system remained substantially intact until the unification of Italy. From 1863-66 most part of these fortifications was demilitarised and forsaken or were sell to privates. The research – conducted by Marco Piccardi and Leonardo Rombai and printed in the book: Torri e fortezze della Toscana Tirrenica. Storia e beni culturali (Livorno, Debatte, 2014) – evaluates the fortifications geo-historical evolution and also their present conditions, like present property, preservation and scope. The geo-historical analysis showed in this conference focus the attention on three very important periods for training of the fortifications system: Medieval Age until 1500; 16th-17th centuries; 18th- 19th centuries. System’s development are represented by means of three thematic maps; their spotlight: the fortifications built from the beginning and the fortifications pre-existing but changed and reorganised prominently. The second part of my study concerns present conditions of the fortifications. In fact, several buildings are unfortunately disappeared or not identifiable, and others are inaccessible because they are located on private ownerships precluded to the public. However, in Tyrrhenian Tuscany there is a remarkable architectural and cultural heritage, that it isn’t always known and appreciated by local administrations, by protection authorities, by citizens and tourists.