PORTA DEL PIANELLO
This is the main entrance to Montefollonico and the gate with the best defences. The inner gate is medieval and bears the coat of arms of the people of Siena; the rampant lion, originally white on a red background. The outer gate is probably an addition from the 15th century, originally equipped with a drawbridge. If you look up, you can still see the grooves that used to house the lifting mechanism for the bridge itself. Between the gates are six firearms positions for forward and sideways defence.

Accommodation bolzoni for the drawbridge

Drawbridge operation diagram

Niche that supposedly housed the coats of arms of the Republic of Siena or of the Coppoli family

Niche that supposedly housed the coats of arms of the Republic of Siena or of the Coppoli family

Pianello Antiporta

Coat of arms of the people of Siena dating back to around 1300: white rampant lion on a red background

Accommodation post for light artillery