Castello Malaspina

About the museum

The castle of Fosdinovo dominates Lunigiana and the Tyrrhenian coast from a hilltop. Its origins date back to the 11th century; a document of 1084 mentions the Castrum Fosdinovense, and in 1124 the fief passed to the bishops of Luni and then to the Malaspina marquises. Around the beginning of the 14th century Spinetta Malaspina moved his residence here, and from 1340, when the local lords recognised its jurisdiction, the castle was restructured and took on its present appearance.

The fortress has an irregular plan adapted to the terrain, with sturdy towers and walls, courtyards, Renaissance porticoes, 16th-century portals and Romanesque columns. For five centuries it was the residence of the Malaspina dello Spino Fiorito, and it still belongs to the Torrigiani Malaspina marquises, who have also made it a place of hospitality with some guest rooms.

The guided tour passes through the frescoed rooms, including the throne room, and Dante's Room, set up in a former chapel, since the poet was a guest of the Malaspina in Lunigiana. The castle is linked to the story of Bianca Maria Aloisia, the marquis's daughter who according to legend was walled up alive in 1620, and whose ghost is said to wander the halls. The route ends with steep stairs and crenellated towers.

Highlights

• Throne room, with ceiling stains linked to the legend of Bianca Maria
• Dante's Room, set up in a former chapel
• Frescoed rooms furnished with period furniture
• Courtyards, Renaissance porticoes and Romanesque columns
• Crenellated towers with a view over the Magra valley and the coast

Permanent exhibition

• Visita guidata del castello – Route through courtyards, frescoed rooms, Dante's Room and the towers of the Malaspina castle.

Founded

1965

Operated by

Marchesi Torrigiani Malaspina

Visitors per year

approx. 1,900

Admission & discounts

According to the castle's online shop, the price of the guided tour ranges from €5 (children) to €10 (adults). Online booking takes priority; subject to availability, tickets can also be bought at the castle bookshop. Bookings are non-refundable.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The final part of the route includes steep stairs and crenellated towers, which are not well suited to people who suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia.

Kids & families

The route ends with steep stairs and towers; the reduced ticket applies to children aged 4 to 14.

Getting there & parking

By car: A12 motorway Genoa–Livorno, exit Sarzana, then SS 62 della Cisa or SS 63 del Cerreto.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The castle has a bookshop where tickets are sold; some rooms allow guests to stay overnight.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 120 guests.

Frescoed hall for receptions for up to 120 guests and the hydrangea garden; ten rooms accommodate up to twenty guests.

Plan your visit