The Malaspina in Lunigiana: the family that ruled the valley
From the 12th to the 18th century, the Malaspina controlled Lunigiana with a network of castles and fiefs. Who they were, how they split, what remains today.
Who the Malaspina were
The Malaspina were one of the most powerful feudal families of medieval Italy. Of Lombard origin, they took their name from the castle of Malaspina in the Magra valley. From the 12th century, they controlled a territory stretching from the Apuan Alps to the Parma Apennines, from Liguria to Emilia.
They were vassals of the Emperor, not of Florence or other Italian states. This gave them almost total autonomy for centuries.
The split: Spino Secco and Spino Fiorito
In 1221, the family split into two main branches:
- Malaspina dello Spino Secco — They controlled the Magra valley, centred on Mulazzo and Villafranca
- Malaspina dello Spino Fiorito — They controlled the Taverone valley, centred on Fivizzano and Fosdinovo
Camporaghena fell under the Spino Fiorito branch.
The Malaspina castles
The Malaspina built dozens of castles throughout Lunigiana. The main ones still open to visitors:
- Castello di Fosdinovo — The most famous, open to visitors, events and exhibitions
- Castello di Verrucola — Fortified village near Fivizzano
- Castello dell'Aquila — In Gragnola
- Castello di Mulazzo — Linked to Dante Alighieri
Dante and the Malaspina
Dante Alighieri was a guest of the Malaspina during his exile. In 1306, he was in Mulazzo, where he acted as a mediator between the Malaspina and the bishop of Luni. Lunigiana appears in the Divine Comedy (Purgatorio, Canto VIII).
The decline
In the 18th century, the power of the Malaspina declined. The fiefs gradually passed under the control of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy of Parma. The last surviving branch is that of Fosdinovo.