Fortress of San Leo

The primitive center was Early Middle Ages; it was reinforced and enlarged between the 12th and 14th century, in the period in which the Malatesta succeeded in removing San Leo to the Montefeltro. The modern-day appearance is still that due to the design of the great Francesco di Giorgio Martini; the task was then given by Federico da Montefeltro in 1479. The building, apart from its great beauty, presents perfect forms, allowing a counter-defensive dynamic from any side of attack and in this sense it was widely used in the following centuries in important warlike events. When possession was passed to the Papal State in 1631, it lost its defensive characteristics and was used as a prison. In 1788, on the commission of Pope Pius VII, Giuseppe Valadier began restoration works. From 1791 until his death on August 26, 1795, Giuseppe Balsamo, known as  Alexander Count of Cagliorsto, one of the most mysterious and famous adventurers was imprisoned here. The clear volumes of the marvelous and powerful structure in local light stone proudly dominate the valley and the surrounding landscape. Today the fortress is home to an interesting museum.