You can now own a 16th-century fortress – Forte San Giorgio (Fortress of Saint George), located on the Italian island of Capraia, sits atop a 100-metre cliff.
The historical site has been put up for sale with Lionard Luxury Real Estate. It is located on a Mediterranean island that lies closer to Corsica than the Italian mainland, and has an interesting history.
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Photo courtesy Lionard
For centuries, the island was a strategically important location and has come under attack by Ottoman corsairs as well as briefly the British. To defend it, first the Roman Empire and then the Republic of Pisa fortified it, but it was the Genoese who built this fortress from 1540 onwards, after the fearsome corsair and naval commander Turgut Reis “Dragut” had destroyed the pre-existing 12th century settlement. The structure, built of Ligurian stone and not volcanic stone like that in the area, was designed to house the entire population in case of need.
Photo courtesy Lionard
Forte San Giorgio has served many purposes throughout the centuries including a Pisan watchtower, a fortified village, military citadel, prison, private residence, youth camp and even a nightclub before being abandoned for some 40 years. Starting in December 2006, the property underwent a long and careful restoration that turned it into a luxury residence for exclusive rental.
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With its 1,560 square metres of interior space, the fort consists of five independent buildings. The current owners have chosen to utilise the property as six apartments and suites, furnished with rare elegance, providing a total 11 en-suite guest bedrooms and 5 staff rooms. There is the option to bring into use a further 6 bedrooms. Each apartment has an outdoor area for exclusive use and all enjoy spectacular sea views. Various spaces and services are available to guests, including a reading room, a dining room for 30 guests, a games room, and a yoga studio.
Photo courtesy Lionard
Particular attention was paid to the central kitchen, designed in collaboration with Michelin star chef Riccardo De Prà and large enough to cater for events. There are a variety of large terraces suitable for dining, each with magnificent sea views. The entire property is equipped with a sophisticated smart home system.
Photo courtesy Lionard
Outside there are two pools, including an infinity pool at the highest point of the fort some 100 metres above sea level. A plot of more than 3 hectares surrounds the property from where a path leads to the sea. From the gates of the fort, a lift is available to transport guests above the bastions to the entrance courtyard above.
Photo courtesy Lionard
The island of Capraia is an ecological paradise: only 3% of the territory is inhabited, while the remaining 97% is a national park and the sea surrounding it is a marine sanctuary. The extraordinary waters of Capraia’s sea were recently awarded the Cinque Vele prize by Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano, a recognition that rewards the most beautiful and cleanest seaside locations in Italy.
You can now own a 16th-century fortress – Forte San Giorgio (Fortress of Saint George), located on the Italian island of Capraia, sits atop a 100-metre cliff.
The historical site has been put up for sale with Lionard Luxury Real Estate. It is located on a Mediterranean island that lies closer to Corsica than the Italian mainland, and has an interesting history.
For centuries, the island was a strategically important location and has come under attack by Ottoman corsairs as well as briefly the British. To defend it, first the Roman Empire and then the Republic of Pisa fortified it, but it was the Genoese who built this fortress from 1540 onwards, after the fearsome corsair and naval commander Turgut Reis “Dragut” had destroyed the pre-existing 12th century settlement. The structure, built of Ligurian stone and not volcanic stone like that in the area, was designed to house the entire population in case of need.
Forte San Giorgio has served many purposes throughout the centuries including a Pisan watchtower, a fortified village, military citadel, prison, private residence, youth camp and even a nightclub before being abandoned for some 40 years. Starting in December 2006, the property underwent a long and careful restoration that turned it into a luxury residence for exclusive rental.
With its 1,560 square metres of interior space, the fort consists of five independent buildings. The current owners have chosen to utilise the property as six apartments and suites, furnished with rare elegance, providing a total 11 en-suite guest bedrooms and 5 staff rooms. There is the option to bring into use a further 6 bedrooms. Each apartment has an outdoor area for exclusive use and all enjoy spectacular sea views. Various spaces and services are available to guests, including a reading room, a dining room for 30 guests, a games room, and a yoga studio.
Particular attention was paid to the central kitchen, designed in collaboration with Michelin star chef Riccardo De Prà and large enough to cater for events. There are a variety of large terraces suitable for dining, each with magnificent sea views. The entire property is equipped with a sophisticated smart home system.
Outside there are two pools, including an infinity pool at the highest point of the fort some 100 metres above sea level. A plot of more than 3 hectares surrounds the property from where a path leads to the sea. From the gates of the fort, a lift is available to transport guests above the bastions to the entrance courtyard above.
The island of Capraia is an ecological paradise: only 3% of the territory is inhabited, while the remaining 97% is a national park and the sea surrounding it is a marine sanctuary. The extraordinary waters of Capraia’s sea were recently awarded the Cinque Vele prize by Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano, a recognition that rewards the most beautiful and cleanest seaside locations in Italy.
Click here to learn more about the property
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