Strong Star
Forte Stella is one of the fortresses on the Argentario promontory and offers a splendid view of the surrounding sea
Forte Stella is a coastal fortification that stands on Monte Argentario, west of the town of Porto Ercole.
The fortification was built by the Spanish in the second half of the sixteenth century, when the area became part of the State of the Garrisons. For the Spaniards, Forte Stella was a strategic part of the defensive system. Forte Stella could communicate visually with the Torre dell’Avvoltore to the west, with the Rocca Aldobrandesca of Porto Ercole and even with the Torre di San Pancrazio on the Ansedonia promontory to the east.
In this place there was previously the Forte Sant’Ippolito, of Renaissance origins, whose remains were incorporated into the new construction. The construction project was entrusted by the Spaniards to Cosimo De Medici, who entrusted the direction of the works to the architects Bernardo Buontalenti and Giovanni Camerini, who elaborated the project for the defensive structure in 1558. The construction of the fortification actually went on for many years, and the two architects actually never saw the end of the work.
The main function of the fortress was naturally that of a lookout: from it it was possible to control the entire stretch of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the southern coast of the Argentario to Capo Linaro, beyond Civitavecchia.
Forte Stella is open and can be visited according to pre-established times.
The beauty of this place is not only determined by its particular shape and interior, but also and above all by the breathtaking view it offers its visitors, a splendid panorama over the waters of the Argentario.
During the summer months, the fort hosts exhibitions and events. For more information, visit the Porto Ercole info point.
loc. Fort Stella, Monte Argentario
+39 0564 811979
€2 adults, €1 kids
Opening time
Easter-June: weekends 10.30-12.30 / 16.00-18.00
June 12-30 : every day 10.30 – 12.30 / 18.00-22.00
September : weekends 10.00-12.00 / 16.00-18.00
*Opening hours are indicative. For more information, contact the Porto Ercole info point.
