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Castello di Nozzano: A Medieval Stronghold

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Explore Castello di Nozzano, a remarkably preserved medieval fortress near Lucca, offering a captivating journey into Tuscany's past.

The Castello di Nozzano, a fortified village with a crenellated keep and towers, stands on the right bank of the Serchio River, just a few kilometers from Lucca. This medieval castle, a key defensive outpost between Lucca and Pisa, offers visitors a glimpse into Tuscany's rich history and strategic past.

A brief summary to Castello di Nozzano

Local tips

  • Book your visit to the keep in advance, as it is only accessible by reservation.
  • Check the calendar for the 'Il Castello rivive' event in early September for a truly immersive medieval experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the village's cobblestone streets and exploring the castle grounds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Lucca, take a train towards Viareggio and get off at Ripafratta. From Ripafratta train station, Castello di Nozzano is approximately a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Line 58 bus from Piazzale Verdi in Lucca to the Bivio Balbano 3 stop. The bus ride takes about 21 minutes, and from there, it is a short walk to the castle. Train tickets cost €1-€4, and bus tickets cost €1-€2.

  • Walking

    While walking directly from Lucca is possible, it is a considerable distance (approximately 8km) and not recommended as a primary means of access. However, if you are already in the vicinity of Nozzano, such as the village of Balbano, walking to the castle is a pleasant option. Follow the local roads and signs towards Via del Castello. Note that the walk involves some uphill sections.

  • Taxi

    From Lucca, a taxi to Castello di Nozzano takes approximately 11 minutes and costs between €19 and €24. Taxis are readily available in Lucca, particularly near the train station and Piazza Verdi.

  • Driving

    From Lucca, drive towards Nozzano following the signs for Viareggio. Parking near Castello di Nozzano is limited. There are some free parking areas outside the city walls of Lucca, a 10-15 minute walk to the center, but these may be full. Paid parking is available closer to the center for €1-€2 per hour. Be aware of restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in Lucca.

Discover more about Castello di Nozzano

Crowning a rocky hill on the Serchio River's right bank, Castello di Nozzano is a well-preserved fortified village a short distance from Lucca. Its crenelated keep, towers, and walls evoke its past as a vital defensive stronghold. Originally built in wood, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times due to its strategic position between Lucca and Pisa. The castle's core was erected in the 1200s. After the battle of Monteaperti in 1260, Nozzano housed Guelphs exiled from Tuscan cities. The Pisans attacked and destroyed it multiple times, but it was reconstructed, most recently in 1395, with a bastion added to the gate. Until the late 1500s, Nozzano controlled ships sailing up the Serchio River to Lucca, after which its military significance declined. It later housed one of Italy's first printing presses. Today, the castle is in good condition, and the recently restored keep is open for visits by reservation. The elliptical walled enclosure, reinforced with towers, faces the former 'enemy' lands, while a single gate opens towards Lucca. The triangular keep has high crenelated walls and two towers. Each year, the first weekend in September hosts 'Il Castello rivive,' a medieval event with dinners, historical reenactments, parades, and performances. Visitors can immerse themselves in medieval life, enjoy ancient dishes, and exchange Euros for period currency.

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