Castello Malnido: A Ruined Sentinel of the Via Francigena

The Castello Malnido, or what remains of it, sits in the old village of Villafranca in Lunigiana, near the bell tower of the Church of San Nicolò. Its origins trace back to the 11th century when it likely served as a defensive outpost. The castle's strategic position was key, as it oversaw the Via di Monte Bardone, later known as the Via Francigena or Romea, a crucial medieval route for pilgrims and traders. For a time, it was the seat of the refined court of the Malaspina family, specifically the 'Spino Secco' branch, becoming a center for the 'courtly' culture praised by Dante Alighieri. It's even speculated that Dante may have stayed at the castle. The castle's name, 'Malnido,' possibly alluded to its function of collecting tolls from those passing through. Over the centuries, Castello Malnido witnessed numerous strategic power plays, including a period under the control of the Genoese Campofregoso family. Unfortunately, the castle suffered significant damage over time. The construction of the Pontremolese railway, the 1920 earthquake, and the bombings of World War II all contributed to its decline. Today, the ruins are largely covered in vegetation, offering a picturesque, albeit melancholic, scene. While internal visits are not possible due to safety concerns, the site provides a tangible link to the area's rich history.