Ponzanello is a fortified village that stands on the hill overlooking the valley, along the approaches to the Lunigiana plain and the Tyrrhenian coast. It is located in Lunigiana, a few kilometers from Fosdinovo.
The fortress stands on a hill that dominates and overlooks the very small town: the strategic position of the Ponzanello castrum suggests that this was one of the most important settlements of the past.
Mentioned for the first time in 1185 in the Codex Pelavicino, a Frederician document by which the Bishop of Luni was confirmed with his possessions, Ponzanello would soon become the seat, archive, library and safe of the Bishops-Counts.
There are records that Ponzanello was organized as a commune as early as 1200: this makes it one of the first free communes in Lunigiana.
The oldest buildings are the Church of San Martino - also known as the Old Church, 12th century - and the Chapel of San Filippo Neri - New Church, 13th century.
Even today Ponzanello Castle dominates the valley from above: although it has not been restored and maintained over time, it is still possible to admire its structure, but one cannot enter inside.
In the past there were four portals for access and a triple curtain wall: the first is now hidden by thick vegetation, the second, dating from the 14th century is preceded by a portal where a second door led into the inner courtyard, protected by the third circle.
