Castles

The castle of Lusuolo-Mulazzo

Typical example of a Lunigiana hamlet, lengthened along a single road and characterised by its houses with “ terrraced-courtyards”. The castle has a subrectangular plan, with the court and a heavy tower still intact. Due to its strategic importance, guarding a strip of the valley, it was destroyed many a time; the latest restoration rises to the XVII century. It is state property and is due to be destined as a laboratory for book restoration.

The castle of Verrucola-Fivizzano

The castle of Verrucola, with its spectacular stance, is a precious example of medieval architecture. Built in 1300 by Spinetta Malaspina the Great, it is split into various bodies dominated by a quadrangular tower and presents several access walls to the hamlet below. In the XV century, the church was built against the castle with a beautiful lodging in stone arches. Private property.

The castle of Malgrate-Villafranca in Lunigiana

Due to its orderly constructed areas and the small hamlet which seems to be part of it, this thirteenth century castle is one of the most significant in the Magra Valley. It is dominated by a magnificent circular tower, at whose feet is the residential area; the whole of the castle is surrounded and protected by a solid walled circle.The hamlet, developed in the XIV-XV centuries, maintains integral its historic character.

Villa of Tresana

Maybe from an elementary thirteenth century fortification, in a dice form, the castle was enriched in 1400 by two circular towers diagonally positioned at the base of which we can still see the the slits for firing ranges. Since the second half of the last century it has been used as a farm and only recently has been restored and furnished by the present owner.

The Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo

Solid and majestic, at the extremity of its hamlet lengthened on the ledge of a cliff, it characterises the whole view. In its imposing structure we can recognise the different phases of construction; the first thirteenth century nucleus, the following extensions for defence purposes and finally the forms of the 1500’s, inspired by the new prestigious renaissance concepts of representation. In excellent state of conservation, it is private property and visits are paid.

Aulla-The Brunella Fortess

The Brunella Fortress ( maybe thus called due to the color of the rock on which it stands ) is a powerful quadrangular building, typical example of a fortification designed for weapons. It was built at the start of the 1500’s, maybe based on a design by Giovanni of the Black Bands. It is surrounded by a park of great botanical interest and hosts the Natural History Museum of the Lunigiana.

Castiglione del Terziere-Bagnone

Characterised by a solid tower, of quadrangular form, this castle was, from the XV century, the principal quarters of the Florentine domain in the Magra Valley. It has been completely restored and furnished by the present owner, and conserves a precious archive and a library of great wealth. Vists on owner’s permission.

Pontremoli

The Piagnaro castle, at the summit of the old town, is an integral part of the walls and towers ( Castelnuovo, Cacciaguerra) erected to defend the city. The oldest part is the semicircular northern tower ( XV century ); the middle part is inferior, with a well, a court and a chapel, restored in the XVII and XVIII centuries. In the rooms of the castle we find the Lunigiana Stele Statue Museum.

The castle of Monti-Licciana Nardi

Built in the XIII century, it was then enlarged and adapted to the demands of the times until it became an elegant town abode. A large tower and two small angular towers remain of the old medieval structure. It is one of the most romantic castles of Lunigiana due to its aspect, its contained dimension and for its traditional form. Private property.