The Vernio fortress offers visitors a fascinating atmosphere and a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in medieval history. It stands majestically on a hill in the hamlet of San Quirico in the municipality of Vernio, in the upper Bisenzio Valley, dominating the surrounding landscape.

This fortress, the heart of important fiefdoms, dates back to the times of the Cadolingi counts around the 11th century and subsequently passed to the Alberti family after 1113. In 1332, it was acquired by the Bardi counts when they became feudal lords of Vernio.

Unfortunately, only traces of the original fortified structures remain, although the count's palace and the surrounding group of houses, which are located inside the castle, are still referred to as a fortress.

In the past, the castle was a vast and well-structured defensive fortress, but most of its military structures were destroyed during the conflicts that affected the territory of Vernio between the 14th and 15th centuries. However, the ruins, still visible, allow you to perceive the size of the original complex.

The medieval village, on the contrary, has remained intact and well preserved. It includes the residence of the feudal lords and a chapel dedicated to Sant'Agata, built in 1556 and subsequently restored in 1706.

Today, the fortress is privately owned, but it is possible to visit it by agreement with the owners.
It is easily reachable from an asphalt road that starts from the village of Sasseta, but we recommend taking the most panoramic road: the medieval road that leads from San Quirico to Poggio di Mezzana or hiking along the entire Route of the Fortresses.