Characterized by a solid tower, of quadrangular shape, this castle constituted a typical medieval fortress. It rose on the site of an ancient (VII-VIIIcentury) Byzantine fortified stronghold had been erected, in strategic position on the top of a hill, dominating the valley of the Bagnone river and the way Francigena towards Piacenza.
From the X to XII the century, it was patrimony of the Corbellari, an old feudal family, lord of the nearby castle of Virgoletta as well. In 1202 became posesión of the Malaspina. The attribute "del Terziere" appeared in 1275, because it was comprised in the third part of the inheritance assigned to marquis Alberto Malaspina of the branch of Filattiera.
Restructured in 1351 by Franceschino Malaspina, the castle reached Its period of maximum importance with the domination of Castruccio Castracani of the Alteminelli, Lord of Lucca. In the 1451 Firenze occupied it and established the center of the Florentine Captaincy of Justice for the Lunigiana. The decadente of the castle began in the second half of XVIII the century. From 1969 the Castle of Castiglione belongs to Loris Jacopo Bononi that have restored it and created the “Center of Humanistic Studies Niccolò V” where conserve precious archives and a furnished library.
The original nucleus goes back to the Early Middle Age and it is recognizable in the central keep, encircled from what remains of the walled curtain. A high square watchtower, dated around the 12th century, flanks it on the main front. Today it is not easy identifiable from outside as it was partially incorporated in successive constructions.
With the rise of the Malaspina the castle was reinforced. Franceschino Malaspina, at the half of 14th century, reconstructed the residential wing incorporating the keep and the great circular tower called 'Tower of Franceschino the Soldier'. During the three centuries of Florentine control, the castle was adapted to its new function of residence for the magistrates of the Lordship.
The castle is private property of Mr Loris Jacopo Bononi. For visits: 0039 0187 429100.
How to arrive: Motorway A11 Firenze-Mare until Lucca, then continuing on the A12 Genova-Livorno until the crossing point with the A15 Parma-La Spezia. Leave the A15 at the exit 'Aulla' and follow the SS62 until the town of Villafranca in Lunigiana, from here follow the SP26 that lead to Bagnone. Just passed the village the road begins to climb towards Castiglione.
