 Malaspina Castle - Fosdinovo (MS)
View from the Castle - Photo © jrmartin
In 1340, when the Malaspina, thanks
to Spinetta, became the sole owners of the Castle of
Fosdinovo, this place became the political
and military center of their estates.
Nevertheless, the origins of the
Rocca can be traced back to the Nobles of Fosdinovo, probably belonging
to the Bianchi d’Erberia family who ruled over fosdinovo until the
arrival of the Malaspina.
The primitive keep dates back
to the 11th century and was enlarged in subsequent phases
with turrets and cylindrical towers designed to create a defensive
flanking fire, especially towards the internal area of Lunigiana.
Other impressive towers and
bastions were added to the side facing the town, while the interior of
the castle was transformed into a refined seigneurial residence with
splendid halls decorated with frescoes.
The courtyard also dates back to
the Reinassance, along with other interventions which were necessari to
bring the difensive system up-to-date when firearms appeared, consisting
of the construction of some “embreasures” for cannons and loopholes for
smaller firearms along the walls.
The main gate is protected by a brick battlement tower.
 The building is still used as a residence by
the current owners, the Marchesi Torrigiani
Malaspina, who kindly let visitors admire most of the interior and
the exterior of the castle, as well as holding cultural events quite
often.
Nearby the Castle, every year take
place events like: "Sounds of Spring " in April, The Fair of "Saints Peter and
Paul" in June and the Medieval Festival in July.
In this festival, Fosdinovo
celebrates the most “memorable” moments of its history, re-living
medieval times.
Fosdinovo vicolo
Photo © borbuletachiara
Courtesy of APT Massa Carrara
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