Things to do near Country of Massa Carrara Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Podenzana - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Podenzana

The first information on the Castle of Podenzana came to us in the distant '884 thanks to a documentation from the Abbey of Aulla. The property allows you to admire a magnificent view. The fortress was disputed for a long time between the Luni and the Malaspina. The current castle is not accessible to the public as a private property.

Pontremoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza di Castelnuovo

The ancient fortress of Castelnuovo is located on the left bank of the Magra. The ancient fortress remains a tower and a door with a pointed arch. The fortress was part of the defensive system of the village, which was made up of numerous fortified works.

Massa - Museums

Museo Diocesano

The Diocesan Museum was established in 2003 and is set up inside the Palazzo dei Cadet. Inside there are sacred vestments, works of art and liturgical coming from the churches of the territory of Massa and from the cathedral of San Pietro and San Francesco. Among the most important works there is a statue depicting “San Leonardo” by Jacopo della Quercia and a marble sculpture depicting the 'Pietà' of Felice Palma.

Massa - Museums

Museo Etnologico delle Apuane

Founded in 1980 by order of Don Luis Bonacoscia, the ethnographic and anthropological museum consists of a surface area of 976m square that includes a collection of agricultural-pastoral civilization of Lunigiana.

Massa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

Designed and built by Giovanni Francesco Bergamini in 1705, it is a majestic building that occupies the entire east side of Piazza Aranci. Both the interior and exterior of the building are decorated with beautiful frescoes and stucco of artistic val

Massa - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Sebastiano

Begun in 1963 as a result of destruction during the Second World War of the ancient temple in honor of San Sebastiano, the church of imposing dimensions with a charming interior decorated with frescoes of artistic value.

Massa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Malaspina

Dominating the town of Massa, on a rocky outcrop near the city itself, there is the Rocca of Malaspina, composed of one part of medieval origin and by the residence of the Malaspina family.

Massa - Streets and Squares

Piazza Aranci

In the historic center, where there is the single most impressive building in the city, there is Piazza Aranci, named by a double row of orange trees that still surrounds it on three sides, making it a symbol and pride of its citizens.

Massa - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Francesco

Cathedral of the city of Massa, building of remarkable dimensions, inside a considerable number of altars. Of great artistic prestige are two paintings representing the Virgin Mary and the holy Trinity in glory that can be seen inside.

Mulazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Lusuolo

The Castle of Lusoil was built around the twelfth century, according to the written sources that document its presence. Thanks to its raised position, it allowed control of the valley bottom. Today we can see most of its structure, even if small parts have been damaged.

Fivizzano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Verrucola

The Verrucola Castle was first mentioned in 1044. In 1481, due to an earthquake, much of the building was destroyed. During the 15th century, the Castle was flanked by a church. Of great interest is the arms room located on the ground floor.

Carrara - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle is located in the medieval historic center of the city. It takes this name precisely in reference to the family that had it built. It has a square structure and a very elegant sixteenth-century transept. The building is considered a real beauty, both for the type of construction and for the type of material used, such as white and pink marble.

Aulla - Historic Centres

Borgo di Caprigliola

It is thought that the origins of the Borgo di Caprigliola date back to the twelfth century. The summer residence of the Bishops was located inside this village, and also a church of the eighteenth century was part of it. The episcopal residence is located in the upper part of the hill. In the 16th century, the Florentines built fortified walls. The Village of Caprigliola is recognized for its rich artistic heritage, characteristic are the coats of arms and portals

Aulla - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Caprigliola

The Tower of Caprigliola dates back to the first half of the 13th century. It is located in Caprigliola, a hamlet of Aulla in the province of Massa and Carrara, in Tuscany. The tower is located in the heart of the village of Caprigliola. It is built of stone directly on the rock. It rises from a circular plant. It is a characteristic feature of the Burgense buildings. Its height is 28.80 m.

Aulla - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza della Brunella

The fortress consists of beautiful military architecture, and is surrounded by a wonderful park, and a long botanical path. In the central building of the fortress, since 1997, a museum has been inaugurated, consisting of four rooms, offering a complete and innovative description of the Lunigian landscape, focusing the attention of the visitor on the relationship between the human activities of agro-forest-pastoral civilization and natural resources.

Massa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle is located on the hill overlooking the coast of Massa. In the past it was the stately home of the Marquises Malaspina of Fosdinovo who carried out various transformations within the structure. Until 1946 the castle was used as a prison site and then was restored by the Superintendence of Monuments of Pisa.

Fosdinovo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo, dating back from the second half of the twelfth century, stands to the north of Tuscany between the Alps and the Tyrrhenian coast. Today it is a museum, a cultural center dedicated to the contemporary arts, a retreat for artists and writers and a small bed and breakfast.

Massa - Parks and nature reserves

Parco didattico WWF di Ronchi

The WWF Educational Park of Ronchi is located in a coastal area. Inside there is a botanical garden, educational natural areas, and small ponds for amphibians and aquatic reptiles. Thanks to this park, students can study flora and fauna, and be in contact with natural environments. For those who want to immerse themselves in a space dedicated to nature, it is possible to book a guided tour of the park.

Massa - Libraries and archives

Biblioteca Nazionale d'Esperanto

Absolutely unique library of the peninsula and one of the largest in the world, dedicated to literary works in Esperanto, the library was founded in 1972 and currently located inside the State Archive.

Casola in Lunigiana - Museums

Museo del Territorio dell' Alta Valle dell' Aulella

The Museum of the Territory of the Upper Valle dell'Aulella welcomes various testimonies of the cultural identity of the citizens of the village of Casola. The Museum exhibits finds dating back to the Middle Paleolithic and the Metals Age found at the sites of the Fox Lair, Tecchia di Equi and Grotta delle Ferns. A large room is dedicated to local sacred art with goblets, lanternines and sacred vestments made in the territory.

Aulla - Museums

Museo di Storia Naturale della Lunigiana

The Museum of Natural History of Lunigiana is located inside the Fortress of Brunella in the locality of Aulla, in the province of Massa Carrara. The Fortress dates back to the period between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, and belongs to the Renaissance era. The Museum was established in 1981, with the aim of collecting and presenting to the public a vast collection of natural sciences. Today the museum is open to the public.

Aulla - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bigliolo ruderi

The castle of Bigliolo was one of the fortifications of the great Episcopal Court of Lunigiana, which suffered from various events related to wars in the thirteenth century such as those between the Bishop and the Malaspina in Val by Aulellà, who passed the castle into the hands of the Marquises of Filattiera. In 1412 the Biglioli Dynasty became extinct and in 1418 Bigliolo passed under the rule of Florence. Bigliolo was attacked in 1523 by Giovanni de' Medici. In 1568, the sons of Lazarus I divided the marquisate into two parts.

Aulla - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bibola Diroccato

The Castle of Bibola is the result of several buildings, identifiable in four distinct phases: the first phase, constructive, dates back to the 13th-13th century. The general structure of the castle can be traced back to the second construction phase dating back to the fourteenth century. The third phase dates back to the building of the tower in the southeast corner, with a diameter of about 6 meters. Some well-preserved architectural elements, dating back to the fourth construction phase, can be seen on the southeast front of the curtain wall, where an opening opens dominated by a six termination - eighteenth-century.

Aulla - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Pallerone resti

The Castle of Pallerone took on a certain consistency since the fifteenth century. Fortifications, erected in the 16th century to protect the settlement, remain few traces of the walls and only one tower. In the tower is set up one of the oldest mechanical cribs in Italy, of 1935, a masterpiece of folk art, based on an elaborate electromechanical and hydraulic system.

Aulla - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Olivola

The Castle of Olivola, which dominated from the top of a hill the entire hilly system between Tavarone and Aulella, already belonged to the Malaspina and formed in a fief in the fourteenth century, preserves some traces nowadays of the imposing construction among the ruins of its mighty walls, as well as two large circular towers.

Carrara - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Moneta Diroccato

The Castle of Moneta dates back to Roman times, a period when you have news of it as a rustic villa. The construction was used for various functions and uses, as well as being switched to different owners. His past has made sure that today we can admire only a few parts of it, some of which are very degraded.

Carrara - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza di Avenza

The construction dates back to the 8th century and was erected for defensive and strategic reasons. Over the years, various changes have been made to her as it has been owned by several historical figures. It is among the symbolic monuments of the city. Today, the tower is the only part left intact. The visit to the public is free of charge.

Filattiera - Castles, palaces and mansions

Case Torre di Ponticello

The construction of the Casa Torre di Ponticello dates back to the X-XII century and was a typical fortified house with three floors overlapping with the entrance to the first floor. Through some hatches we passed to the other parts of the building where water and food reserves were kept. The structure is still in excellent condition and is open to the public.

Filattiera - Castles, palaces and mansions

Case Torre di Caprio

Torre di Caprio houses are typical buildings that are located in the town of Filattiera. These are typical fortified buildings, mainly used in the part of the agricultural sites at the bottom of the valley. They are currently visible in most of the resort and are in excellent condition.

Filattiera - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montecastello

The Castle is presumed to date back around the middle of the 6th century. The tower, like the city walls and parts of the structure were built later. This is also because its function changed over the years. Unfortunately, only the ruins came to us.

Filattiera - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di San Giorgio

The Tower of San Giorgio was built in the tenth century. The structure was later restored in the 14th century. The tower has a quadrangular shape and is 4 meters high. The upper part was the only inhabited part.

Filattiera - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina di Filattiera

The castle of Filattiera is a fortress built entirely of stone, of Byzantine origin and extends on both sides of the main square of the city. The fortified structure is a building dating back to the 13th century and has been subject to various renovations. Strong of the feudal Malaspina, it has, inside, three large salons. Today there is very little left and it is a private property. Access and visits to the property are only allowed by appointment.

Fivizzano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello dell' Aquila

The Aquila Castle was the property of the Marquises Malaspina del Ramo Fiorito. For almost ten years the building has undergone major restorations. From the terrace of the castle you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Apuan Alps. Currently, it is open to the public.

Bagnone - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bagnone

The castle of Bagnone is located in the Province of Massa and Carrara. The most important part of the castle is the cylinder shaped tower. This part of the castle has survived to the present day. Instead, there is a medieval structural part of the original village that is in perfect condition. Inside the castle we also find the Church of St. Nicholas. The current owner of the property is a private individual. The castle is not accessible to visitors.

Mulazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montereggio

The Castle of Montereggio dates back to 1573, the date when the Marquis moved to the resort. Unlike other castles, this one looks like a palace. The building is located in the historic center, near the church of Sant'Apollinare. It is open to the public and is in excellent condition.

Licciana Nardi - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Apella

The Tower of Apella is located on the slopes of the Apennines in Licciana Nardi. In this building, Anacarsi Nardi was born, great hero of the Risorgimento. Currently, the tower is the private home of a farm.

Licciana Nardi - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Varano

The Tower of Varano was mentioned for the first time in the fifteenth-century statutes. From this construction the city itself in which it is located took its name.

Licciana Nardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle was used as a home by the homonymous family who gave it its name. It was built in the Middle Ages, then transformed into a stately home. The façade dates back to the seventeenth century and has been modified and expanded several times over the centuries. Today, from the initial structure we can admire the door, two towers and part of the city walls.

Licciana Nardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bastia

The Castle of Bastia dates back to the twelfth century and rises above a hill, since it was built for defensive — military purposes. Over the centuries it has passed to several owners. Nowadays it is owned by individuals and is in excellent condition.

Licciana Nardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Terrarossa

The Castle of Terrarossa was built around the 16th century with the intention of replacing the residential apartments of an ancient medieval building. Since the construction was very large, the remains that we see today, are incorporated into a civil building, better known by the name of Castelletto. It is currently open to visitors.

Licciana Nardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Monti

Castello di Monti is a building that dates back to 1275. In ancient times it was used as a transit place for goods between Parma and Sarzana. The building stands on a hill and has an irregular structure, with a powerful keep and some towers, clearly visible. Fortunately, it is a building in excellent condition and open to the public.

Licciana Nardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Pontebosio

The Castle of Pontebosio is a stately residence that dates back to the 17th century and is located right in the main square of the village. Four square towers are also part of the structure. It is very easily noticed, being placed on a hill. It is currently open to tourists.

Mulazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Groppoli

The Castle of Groppoli dates back to the beginning of the Middle Ages. Over the years it has passed into the hands of several owners, who have partially modified the structure. According to some historical findings, only one siege affected the structure particularly. Today it is in excellent condition and open to all those who want to visit it.

Mulazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Castevoli

The Castevoli Castle, located in Mulazzo, was built in the 16th century when Tommaso I Malaspina reunified the tower and the keep. The building stands on a hill. Over the years, because of the French raids, it has fallen, losing its splendor. Today it is in good condition, but it cannot be visited since it is privately owned.