The Fortress of Vigliena, of which very little remains today, was built in 1702 by Viceroy Juan Manuel Fernandez Pacheco y Zuniga, Marquis of Villena, from whom it took its name. It is known because on July 13, 1799, one hundred and fifty revolutionaries commanded by the priest of Conigliano Calabro Antonio Toscano were attacked by three Sanfedist battalions of Cardinal Ruffo. Toscano, at a clear disadvantage, decided to set fire to the dust, causing his own death and that of most of his men and enemies. The fort was, thus, half destroyed by the explosion and only one Republican, Fabiani, was saved, who threw himself into the sea before the explosion.
