Madrignano Castle: A Medieval Fortress with a View

Madrignano Castle, or Castello di Madrignano, is located in the municipality of Calice al Cornoviglio, in the province of La Spezia. Situated on the Apennine ridge between Liguria and Tuscany, the castle stands as a testament to the region's rich history. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1162, when Frederick Barbarossa assigned it to Obizzo Malaspina. Throughout the Middle Ages, the village of Madrignano was part of the fief of Calice al Cornoviglio. Over the centuries, the castle was contested by various powers, including the Genoese and the Marquis of Mulazzo. It was damaged in battles between the French, Spanish, and Austrians in the early 18th century. The castle's structure was significantly altered in 1416 when the Genoese destroyed its original architecture. Despite the damage, the castle remained part of the Malaspina territories for three centuries. Today, Madrignano Castle is owned by the municipality and houses the Museum of Ancient Ligurians. Restoration efforts have been undertaken to strengthen the structure. Visitors can explore the ruins, including a round corner tower, and enjoy panoramic views of the Vara Valley. A funicular connects the parking area to the castle.