Castello di Nozzano: A Medieval Stronghold

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.