Top 15 Castles around Calice Al Cornoviglio

Aula is a fundamental hub of the Via Francigena, it was tormented by the bombings of the Second World War, causing the almost total destruction of its historic center, of which very few vestiges remain. It is located a few kilometers from the border with Liguria, on a narrow strip of land at the confluence of the Magra river and the Aulella stream, a decisive place for the civil and religious life of the entire area before the year 1000. Aulla in that period was already a small village and its importance was linked precisely to its central position along the Via Francigena, both as a pilgrimage road and as a commercial artery. The center of the town had an important role in defending the roads that led from the Lucca area and Liguria towards the Cisa Pass.

The Brunella Fortress owes its name to the hill on which it was built in the mid-16th century. The fort is a typical example of Renaissance military architecture, designed to defend against firearm attacks. It is an almost square construction with large polygonal struts. What is certain is that the complex represents the most powerful military work in Lunigiana and its strategic position allowed it, in the past, to control all the main routes in the area and the arrivals from the Apennine passes.

Ruins of the Malnido Castle, with the square dedicated to Dante Alighieri, ancient guest of the Malaspina, and the remains of the church of San Nicolò, the medieval road leads to the parish church of San Giovanni

The construction of the castle probably dates back to the 14th century, when it was erected as a simple quadrangular fortification, entirely in stone with mortar joints. During the 15th century, the structure was expanded with the addition of two cylindrical towers placed diagonally at opposite corners, equipped with slits for firearms, evidence of the evolution of the defensive techniques of the time. The Castle of Villa di Tresana was part of the vast defensive system of the Malaspina, a powerful noble family that dominated Lunigiana. Located along the Via Francigena, the castle had a strategic function in controlling the communication routes and offered hospitality to pilgrims and travellers in transit. Over the centuries, the castle underwent various vicissitudes. In the 17th century it came under the influence of the Medici, while remaining under the control of the Malaspina. Subsequently, it was used as an agricultural building and fell into a state of abandonment. Only recently has it been the subject of careful restoration, which has preserved its original structure and restored its ancient splendor. Currently, the Castle of Villa di Tresana is a private property and is not open to the public. However, it is possible to admire it from the outside, especially during the autumn, when the climbing ivy that covers it takes on suggestive colors, giving the castle a fairy-tale appearance.

The castle and the village are one of the most interesting examples of the fusion of civil and military medieval architecture. The oldest part of the structure dates from the mid-fourteenth century, when Lusuolo was an independent feudal kingdom. In 1450 the castle fell into the hands of the Genoese, who partially demolished it. Today, the Castle of Lusuolo houses the Museum of the Emigration of the People of Tuscany.

Lusuolo is a characteristic village stretching along the crest of a hill overlooking the right bank of the Magra River, halfway between Villafranca and Mulazzo. The castle and the village are one of the most interesting examples of the fusion of civil and military medieval architecture. The oldest part of the structure dates from the mid-fourteenth century, when Lusuolo was an independent feudal kingdom. In 1450 the castle fell into the hands of the Genoese, who partially demolished it. Today, the Castle of Lusuolo houses the Museum of the Emigration of the People of Tuscany. Due to its strategic position, Lusuolo has often been at the center of major conflicts between the powers contesting control of Lunigiana (Florence, Genoa and Milan) leading to its destruction and reconstruction several times.

Villa di Tresana Castle ring route. Lunigiana world

Ancient fiefdom of the Malaspina family of "Spino Secco". Villafranca is located along the Via Francigena, and both in the heart of the town and in its numerous hamlets it is possible to admire notable vestiges of the important medieval past of these lands.