Belvedere (fort)

The Belvedere fortification (often called simply the Belvedere) was built by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici during the period 1590-1595, with Bernardo Buontalenti as the designer, to protect Florence and the Medici rule thereover. In particular, it was used to hold the Medici treasury.

On the same side of the river as the Grand Ducal palace, the Pitti Palace, today the grounds provide spectacular outlooks over Florence; the buildings are used to hold works of art, and as a venue for exhibitions of contemporary sculpture.