Suvero Castle

The castle of Suvero was built in the 12th century by the Malaspinadi Villafranca on a hill overlooking the village. During the 15th century it was assigned to the Campofregoso, after Genoa had conquered the territories of the Malaspina. At the behest of King Louis XII, the Genoese returned it to the original owners. After the death of Spinetta Malaspina, lord of Suvero, it became an independent fief assigned to Rinaldo Malaspina, who probably built the castle.

There were then several lords of the Malaspina family: some of them shined for their governmental talent, while others provoked dissatisfaction among the subjects. In 1600 the villagers of Suvero decided then to submit to Spain and to Tuscany, but in the end they always returned under the rule of the Malaspina. After the beginning of the Renaissance the castle lost its defensive function and became definitively a residence. For over 200 years it was the residence of the lords of Suvero and was rarely involved in battles.

The current structure, which probably stands on a pre-existing medieval building, is trapezoidal with three fortified corners and impressive fortified towers. On the western side there is a circular fortified tower. In the 19th century the eastern fortified tower collapsed, and in 1921 the southern one was destroyed by the earthquake. Both have been restored.

References:

• museoleduefortezze.it

Address

Piazza Fontana 5, Rocchetta di Vara, Italy

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy