Lorenzo the Magnificent conquered Serazzana (Sarzana) in 1487 after a long war against Genoa. After having destroyed the Firmafede Fortress, he decided to build a new, more modern one upon its ashes, in step with the current technological progress of the art of war. He well understood the strategic value of Sarzana, and decided that a fortress ready for the new firearms was a worthy investment. Today, the colossal bulk of the Citadel – as the locals call it – is concealed behind a curtain of rooftops, at the eastern end of Sarzana’s historical center. In order to reach it you must penetrate the city’s streets or follow its ancient walls, along a shady rampart from where you can see the surrounding hills and the Sarzanello Fortress, a companion that once created a defensive curtain against so many cannons.