Madrignano Castle, Madrignano, Italy

The first mention of the Madrignano Castle dates back tothe imperial diploma of Frederick Barbarossa of 1162, where it was assigned to Obizzo Malaspina.

During the Middle Ages, the village of Madrignano was part of the fief of Caliceal Cornoviglio, until 1400. In 1416 it passed to the Genoese. In 1465, Madrignano and Calice were sold to Tommaso Campofregoso, who in turn sold them to the Marquis Azzone di Mulazzo. Shortly afterwards it passed again to the Republic of Genoa, in exchange for Castevoli. The Marquis of Mulazzo reconquered and kept it, but lost Calice. It was then contested again by the Genoese and the Marquis of Mulazzo, and finally thecastle was part of the territories belonging to the Malaspina for three centuries. It survived the battles that destroyed Lunigiana, but the castle was damaged by an assault between 1705 and 1706, during the battles between the French, the Spanish and the Austrians. The manor was occupied for ten days and its structure was badly damaged. From 1772 the area returned to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and followed the same destiny.

Even though the castle’s structure dates back a long time, its original architecture was destroyed by the Genoese in 1416, and it was then enlarged and modified. The only evidence of the structure, are the round corner tower and the impressive ruins.The building has recently been strengthened, restored and assigned to the Ligurian Super intendence of Fine Arts and Landscapes.

Today the castle is owned by the municipality and houses the Museum of Ancient Ligurians.

References:

museoleduefortezze.it

User Reviews

Gianfranco Visconti (7 months ago)
A beautiful and interesting functional renovation from all artistic, historical, structural and also functional points of view given that the municipal offices were located there Absolutely worth visiting because the particularity of the building is added to, and is part of, a priceless view. . . from the Apuan Alps to Gorgona, Capraia, Elba and a good part of the Val di Vara. . . . to remember the kindness of the lady who manages the site. . .

Talita Mara Paulino (9 months ago)
Nice view up there. Too bad it was closed and we didn't go in.

marina lertora (11 months ago)
We were there last Sunday. Castle closed, access roads covered in weeds and completely abandoned. A real shame because the place deserves more attention.

astrid desimone (12 months ago)
A really successful renovation. The castle is very pleasant and harmonious and above all it offers a breathtaking view! Reachable via path or panoramic lift

Sandor Nemeth (3 years ago)
It's a nice little castle with an amazing view. You can walk around it and the village next to it is lovely. The road up to the castle is not excellent but doable. And just 1 lane, so be careful.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Madrignano Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople