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Madrignano Castle, Lunigiana Travel Guide

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Explore a medieval castle with stunning views in the Val di Vara, offering a glimpse into Liguria's past and the ancient Ligurian people.

Perched atop a hill in the Val di Vara, Madrignano Castle offers a glimpse into Liguria's medieval past. Partially ruined yet recently restored, the castle provides stunning views and a fascinating look at local history, including the ancient Ligurian people.

A brief summary to Madrignano Castle

  • Saturday 3 pm-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Madrignano Castle.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the castle grounds, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they may vary.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the Vara Valley.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the village of Madrignano, the castle is accessible via a short, uphill walk. Follow the signs leading towards the castle. The walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Note that the path can be steep in places.

  • Public Transport

    While public transport to Madrignano is limited, you can take a bus to Calice al Cornoviglio, the nearest town. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to Madrignano. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings. A taxi from Calice al Cornoviglio to Madrignano will cost approximately €15-€20.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the Strada Provinciale (SP) road to Madrignano. Parking is available near the base of the castle. From the parking area, you can either walk up to the castle or take a short funicular ride. Parking is free. The funicular is also free.

Discover more about Madrignano Castle

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.

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