Fortezza di Sarzanello

About the museum

On the hill of Sarzanello a fortified site already existed in 963, the “castrum Sarzanae”, recognised by Emperor Otto I as belonging to the bishop of Luni. The place is also called the fort of Castruccio, because the Lucchese condottiero Castruccio Castracani used it as a residence between 1317 and 1328.

The present fortress came into being after the war of Serezzana: Lorenzo de’ Medici ordered its construction, and the design was entrusted to a group of technicians led by the architect Francesco di Giovanni, known as Francione. Works began in 1493, were interrupted in 1494 with the descent of Charles VIII, and resumed in 1496, when Sarzana passed to the Banco di San Giorgio of Genoa; the fortress was completed in 1502.

The complex was never involved in major military events and has therefore come down to us with its original appearance almost intact. After a programme of works financed by the PNRR, which improved the usability of the interior spaces and the lighting, the fortress reopened on 21 March 2026.

Highlights

• Transitional fortress of the 15th century, commissioned by Lorenzo de’ Medici
• Ramparts with views over the Magra river plain
• Audio guide in Italian, English, French and German
• Reachable on foot along a stretch of the Via Francigena
• Combined ticket with the Fortezza Firmafede

Permanent exhibition

• Visita alla fortezza – Route through the walkways, ramparts and interior rooms of the 15th-century fortress, with audio guide.

Operated by

Earth s.c.r.l. (gestione), Comune di Sarzana

Visitors per year

approx. 6,141

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be bought online from the website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 fortress has no aids for people with motor difficulties. By car you can drive up to the walkway around the moat and the entrance gate; beyond the gate there are two flights of steps that can only be overcome by carrying, after which the ramparts are relatively easy to walk. The interior rooms can only be reached by a narrow spiral staircase. Dogs on a lead are admitted in all areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The site offers family discounts, periodic workshops for children, birthday parties with themed entertainment and reduced family kits.

Getting there & parking

From the historic centre of Sarzana it is about 20 minutes’ walk (1.5 km) up a mule track that follows a stretch of the Via Francigena, starting from Via Mazzini and Porta Romana. Motorway exit: Sarzana (A12).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The fortress can be rented for private events and ceremonies; for groups the Locanda della Fortezza is available.

Plan your visit