Barbarossa Tower

The Barbarossa Tower of Serravalle Pistoiese rises more than 40 meters on the highest point of the hill and allowed to control from its top the valley to the sea, as well as to communicate with the other neighboring towers of Monsummano Alto, Montecatini Alto, Castellina and Vinacciano. The tower was erected in the 12th century at the behest of the Consuls of Pistoia and is the only surviving element of the older fortress, built to guard the pass separating the territory of Pistoia from that of Lucca.

Pistoia’s 12th-century statutes indicate that the custodian in charge of its surveillance was chosen from among citizens of good reputation and rather high census, who, during the four months of their assignment, could not leave the tower. In fact, the gate was barred from the outside and no construction could be erected in the surrounding space between the Castellina Gate and the house of the town hall.

The first restoration works date back to the early 20th century. These interventions allowed the construction of the internal staircase that leads to the top and makes it possible to observe the plain of Pistoia and the Valdinievole retracing the steps of medieval soldiers.