The Fortress or Rocca Ariostesca is the symbol of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. With its trapezoid shape and two small internal courtyards it dominates the main square of the hamlet. Built in the 11th century, the Rocca underwent modifications and extensions between the 13th and 14th centuries, including the construction of the civic tower clock which was commissioned by Paolo Guinigi.
The fortress is called “Ariostesca” because from 1522 to 1525 the renowned poet Ludovico Ariosto lived there. At that time – under the Estensi family - he was governor of Garfagnana and the Rocca with its tower was the headquarter of the local government.
Municipal seat until the Second World War, in 1944 the Rocca was seriously damaged under the heavy bombings and was subsequently restored.
