Places to Visit
Castles & Museums
The Lunigiana is dotted with medieval Malaspina castles, many now housing fascinating museums.
Castello del Piagnaro & Stele Museum
The imposing castle crowning Pontremoli houses the Museo delle Statue Stele della Lunigiana, displaying prehistoric stone figures dating back over 5,000 years. These enigmatic anthropomorphic statues are among the most important archaeological finds in Europe.
Castello della Verrucola
A dramatic Malaspina fortress perched on a rocky outcrop above the village of Verrucola. Now home to sculptor Pietro Cascella's studio and art collection, it offers a unique blend of medieval architecture and contemporary art.
Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo
One of the best-preserved castles in the Lunigiana, where Dante Alighieri reportedly stayed during his exile. Guided tours reveal dungeons, secret passages, and a ghost story involving a walled-up maiden.
Fortezza della Brunella
A Renaissance fortress housing the Natural History Museum of the Lunigiana. The museum showcases the region's diverse flora, fauna, and geological formations, while the fortress itself offers commanding views.
Castello di Compiano
A beautifully restored Malaspina castle housing a unique International Masonic Museum. The castle's elegant rooms and panoramic terraces make it one of the most atmospheric sites in the region.