The Bastion of Parlascio is near the archaeological area of the Roman Baths (known as ‘Bagni di Nerone’), on the extension of the pedestrian streets of Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo. The fortified architecture is a strategic point for its historical interest and for being included in the walkway of the city walls. One of the ascent points has been placed inside it, endowed with architectural barriers. Explanatory panels on the history and restoration have been installed inside the Bastion, illustrating the historical-constructive phases of the military architecture, the different uses of the Bastion (from fortification to garage use), up to the most recent restoration and redevelopment for use as a museum and exhibition space.
The Parlascio represents a significant example of a ‘first-generation Italian-style bastion’ and is part of the experiments with which military architects tried, in the early 16th century, to define new defence systems for towns and fortresses. The Parlascio Bastion preserves within it, still legible, the remains of the fortification structures that from the 12th century until the first half of the 15th century took turns defending the Parlascio gate, which opened along the northern part of the walls on the right bank of the Arno. It was precisely on this bank that the construction of the defensive walls of Pisa began, which from 1154 to 1161, under the consulate of Cocco Griffi, developed in seven building lots. At the end of the 16th century, the structure was converted to an icehouse, a function it maintained until the early 20th century. During the Second World War, the Parlascio’s military character was rediscovered and its structures were used as an air-raid shelter. After the war, the bastion was divided into three separate properties and sold to private individuals. During these decades, a bar was attached to the structure and a garage was built inside the bastion.