The Lunigiana is considered the historic gateway to Europe along the ancient Roman consular road and the medieval via Francigena, an important junction on the Mediterranean. The territory illuminates the magical and mysterious forests of the Apennines, with its sacred areas home to the Stele Statues. Here, castles dominate the landscape and watch over visitors from above; they invite them to discover the secrets of the greenery that surrounds them, dazzling with the splendour of chestnut and oak tree forests; they accompany them to the towers where men have lived for centuries.
For those who love history and are fascinated by ancient legends, the castles in the Lunigiana are a must-see. These are our suggestions for a few to see.
We begin in Fosdinovo, the medieval village home to the Malaspina Castle, around which the town developed: houses stacked up against each other, almost as if to protect the castle. Mighty and grandiose, the fortress characterizes the village with its massive size. The different phases of its construction over the centuries can be seen in the stone work. Excellently preserved, visitors can still admire historic décor, furnishings and frescoes. The room where the Supreme Poet, Dante Aligheiri, slept are particularly fascinating, filled with legends and his ghost.
The Brunella Fortress dominates the town of Aulla, and has watched over the confluence of the Aullella and Magra rivers for centuries. It can be reached via the historic steps at the gates of the city, or along the comfortable dirt road that climbs through the park that surrounds it. From the hill, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire Apennine ridge and the Apuan Alps.
The quadrangular structure built atop a rock and which takes its name from its unique colour. The stronghold, built in the early 1500s, is a typical example of a fortification designed with weaponry in mind. A botanical garden is located in the adjoining park and the Museum of Natural History is housed inside the building.
An interesting walk in the historic center of Pontremoli takes us to the Museum of the Stele Statues set up inside the Piagnaro Castle. Within, you'll find all the stele statues of the Lunigiana, either the originals or reproductions. These unique anthropomorphic sandstone sculptures that are both male and female were created by the ancient populations who lived in the valley in the 2,000 years prior to the arrival of the Romans.
It can be reached by walking up the picturesque alleys that reach the walls from which you can enjoy a beautiful view over the whole town and the valley, or you can access it via the Porta Parma lift.
During the year, special openings at the Malaspina di Monti Castle (Licciana Nardi) are arranged at the fascinating but little known residence. In the summer or during some events held throughout the year, it's also possible to visit the Malgrate Castle (Villafranca in Lunigiana) with its imposing tower that dominates the charming medieval village.
The castle of Castiglione del Terziere (Bagnone), the Malaspina Castle of Tresana and the Malaspina Castle of Verrucola (Fivizzano) can also be visited upon reservation.
The architecture of castles is a distinguishing feature of this area and important evidence of Lunigiana's past. But why do we find so many castles here? The reason is linked to the centuries of dominion by the Malaspina family who did not observe the rule of the majorascato (according to which the entire inheritance belonged only to the eldest son) and this led to the division of their domain into many small fiefs, giving Lunigiana many manors but also a heavy sense of territorial division and an overall weakening of the family line.
