The Cerbaia Fortress of Cantagallo

The Cerbaia Fortress rises among the green mountains surrounding the territory of Cantagallo.

The Cerbaia Fortress was built during the XII-th century. In ancient times it was the fortified house of the feudal Alberti's family from Prato, who governed for a long Cantagallo for the will of Federico Barbarossa.

Once passed to another jurisdiction the Fortress was lastly sold to the Republic of Florence, under whose domination it lost its ancient role as a military stronghold.

Photo © Wikipedia

The Cerbaia Fortress saves still today a part of its original building, of which it is possible to see the middle structure and the walls surrounding it. Its gateway is still visible as well as the tank once used to pick the rain water up.

According to a legend, in 1285 the poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) ask there for hospitality but he was rejected and had to take shelter somewhere else. This event would explain his spite against the Alberti's Counts, who about he wrote in his "Divine Comedy".