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Perched on a rugged, rocky hill overlooking the Valdicecina, the Tuscan town of Volterra appears to be suspended in time: from one of the capitals of the Etruscan world to a thriving Roman municipality and, later, a proud medieval republic.
Its ancient splendour is clear in the historic centre. The majestic Porta all’Arco, dating from the Etruscan period, is the monument that symbolises the town’s origins and dates to the 4th–3rd centuries BC. Three mysterious heads, perhaps depicting protective deities, welcome those entering the area. The Roman Theatre of Vallebuona, built in the 1st century BC, bears witness to Volterra’s importance during the Roman Empire. Its semi-circular tiered seating, with impeccable acoustics, could accommodate up to 3,500 spectators.
In the Middle Ages, the political heart of the city lay in the Palazzo dei Priori. Built in 1239, it is the oldest civic building in Tuscany. Its architecture, dominated by the majestic, crenelated tower, served as the model for the famous Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, originally designed by the skilled architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio.
Volterra is thus the guardian of an illustrious past, marked by a strong spirit of independence and a rich cultural heritage, which suffered a severe blow in 1472 when Florence imposed its rule during the Renaissance. However, this subjugation gave rise to one of Volterra’s most symbolic monuments, which still stands proudly at the highest point of the town, its stern gaze fixed upon the entire Cecina Valley: the Medici Fortress.
The complex consists of two structures linked by sturdy curtain walls: the 14th-century Rocca Vecchia and the Rocca Nuova, built at the behest of Lorenzo the Magnificent after the sacking of Volterra in 1472. The latter is dominated by a mighty octagonal tower known as the “Mastio”, erected between 1474 and 1475 following Volterra’s annexation by the Florentine Republic. Originally built as a defensive stronghold against external attacks and to enable the Medici family to control their opponents in Volterra, the fortress was also used as a prison from the very beginning. It still houses a medium-security prison today.
The recent refurbishment of the perimeter lighting at the Medici Fortress was entrusted to Disano, which selected its Rodio floodlights, particularly well-suited to enhancing façades and outdoor areas thanks to their precise, high-performance optics.
The LED light sources they incorporate represent a viable alternative to traditional technologies. They guarantee uniform, stable light with minimised flicker and high luminous efficiency. Complemented by lower energy and maintenance costs, the system provides a modern, sustainable, and effective solution for architectural lighting.
Furthermore, Disano pays close attention to the design of its luminaires: the Rodio range combines minimalist, discreet forms with highly robust and durable materials. This makes it ideal for prestigious historical and architectural settings, where the fixtures blend seamlessly into their surroundings without being intrusive, allowing the light itself to take centre stage.
With this project, the Italian manufacturer has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver tailored lighting solutions for any space. At the Medici Fortress in Volterra, the Rodio floodlights have shown how state-of-the-art technology can pair high performance and complete safety with reduced energy consumption, while fully respecting the site’s historic heritage.

Panattoni Park Bydgoszcz II

Medici Fortress in Volterra