Castles of Lunigiana: a land of a hundred castles
Lunigiana is known as the "land of a hundred castles". Malaspina fortresses, medieval towers, fortified villages. Here is an overview of the most beautiful and accessible castles from Camporaghena.
Why Lunigiana is a land of castles
In the Middle Ages, Lunigiana was a strategic territory disputed between powerful families: the Malaspina, the bishops of Luni, the Medici, the Republic of Lucca. Each built castles to control valleys, roads and borders. The result is an extraordinary density of fortifications, many still well preserved.
Visiting the castles of Lunigiana means travelling through a thousand years of history, from the early Middle Ages to the Renaissance, in a landscape of mountains, valleys and stone villages.
The most beautiful castles near Camporaghena
Castello del Piagnaro (Pontremoli)
The castle that dominates Pontremoli, housing the Museum of Statue Stele. Medieval structure, panoramic view over the Magra valley. ~40 minutes from Camporaghena.
Castello di Bagnone
Malaspina castle overlooking the village of Bagnone. Well preserved, with a view of the valley. ~30 minutes from Camporaghena.
Castello dell'Aquila (Gragnola)
Imposing Malaspina fortress dominating the medieval village of Gragnola. One of the most striking in the area. ~30 minutes from Camporaghena.
Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo
One of the best-preserved castles in Lunigiana, still inhabited. View stretching from the Apuan Alps to the sea. ~50 minutes from Camporaghena.
Castello della Verrucola (Fivizzano)
Malaspina castle near Fivizzano, still inhabited. Imposing structure, well preserved. ~25 minutes from Camporaghena.
Practical information
- Distances: from 25 to 50 minutes by car
- Duration: 1–2 hours per castle; a full day for a castle tour
- Cost: varies (some free, some with entry fee)
- Dogs: check for each castle
- Season: all year round; check opening hours before setting off
Who it's for and who it's not
The castles are for you if:
- You love medieval history and architecture
- You want to combine culture and landscape
- You're looking for a themed itinerary
The castles are NOT for you if:
- You're not interested in history
- You have difficulty walking (castles are often uphill with steps)
- You want to see everything in one day (choose 2–3 at most)