The entrance dates back to the early 15th century and was built according to the engineering of that time. The front door was originally protected by a draw-bridge and the sliding grooves of the chains right above the door jamb are still visible.

In the large courtyard are some artillery pieces donated by King Vittorio Emanuele III in 1907 and used until recently by the Fortress Guard, one of the Republic’s uniformed corps, to fire salvoes during public ceremonies.