Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo

The Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Lunigiana: the primitive keep dates as far back as the 11th century and was enlarged in later periods with turrets and defensive towers.
In 1340 the Castle was ceded by the Nobles of Fosdinovo to Spinetta Malaspina and became the political and military center of the fiefdoms linked to their family.
Over the centuries other mighty towers and bastions were added on the front facing the town, while the interior of the Castle was transformed into a refined stately home, with splendid frescoed rooms.

The complex now belongs to the Marquis Torrigiani Malaspina and houses a museum, a cultural center dedicated to contemporary arts, a residence for artists and writers and a small bed and breakfast.

The museum tour inside the Castle of Fosdinovo includes a guided tour of all the main rooms, including the halls painted by Gaetano Bianchi, the room where Dante Alighieri stayed, the collection of coins, ceramics, weapons and torture instruments, as well as a stop in the room where, according to legend, the ghost of the young Bianca Maria Aloisia dwells. The girl had in fact been walled up alive here because she was in love with a stable boy, against the wishes of her noble parents.

Accessibility information: regione.toscana.it