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Museo delle Statue Stele Lunigianesi: Echoes of Ancient Lunigiana

Uncover the mysteries of prehistoric Lunigiana at the Museo delle Statue Stele, nestled within the historic Piagnaro Castle in Pontremoli.

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Housed in the imposing Castello del Piagnaro, the Museo delle Statue Stele Lunigianesi displays a fascinating collection of prehistoric stele statues, carved by the ancient inhabitants of Lunigiana between the 4th and 1st millennia BC. These enigmatic sandstone figures offer a glimpse into the region's mysterious past.

A brief summary to Museo delle Statue Stele Lunigianesi - Pontremoli

  • Monday 10 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the approach to the castle involves walking uphill through the medieval village.
  • Check the museum's website for updated opening hours and any special events.
  • Consider purchasing the combined ticket for access to other museums in Pontremoli.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza della Repubblica or Piazza del Duomo in the center of Pontremoli, walk along Via Garibaldi. Turn left onto Vietata l'Affissione or Sdrucciolo del Castello, two alleys with staircases leading uphill to the Castello del Piagnaro. Follow the signs for the Museo delle Statue Stele Lunigianesi. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes and involves a climb. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Pontremoli train station, walk along Viale dei Mille, cross Ponte Cairoli, and turn right onto Via Ricci Armani to enter the historic center. Follow signs to Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza del Duomo, then proceed as described in the Walking directions. Alternatively, from Largo Don A. Spinetti, take the elevator to the castle entrance. A single bus ticket in Pontremoli costs around €1.50 [approximated]. The elevator is free.

  • Driving

    From the A15 highway, take the Pontremoli exit. Follow signs to the city center. Parking is available in the 'Parcheggio Elena Dosi Delfini' on Via dei Chiosi. Cross the Ponte della Cresa on foot and follow Via Garibaldi to Porta Parma. Turn left and follow the signs to the museum. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Museo delle Statue Stele Lunigianesi - Pontremoli

The Museo delle Statue Stele Lunigianesi, located within the historic Castello del Piagnaro in Pontremoli, offers a captivating journey into the ancient past of the Lunigiana region. The museum's collection showcases the enigmatic stele statues, carved from sandstone by the area's inhabitants between the 4th and 1st millennia BC. These statues represent one of Europe's most important megalithic phenomena. The stele statues depict stylized male and female figures, often adorned with weapons and jewelry. Archaeologists classify them into three typological groups (A, B, C) based on their features. The statues' purpose remains a subject of debate, with theories suggesting they may have represented deities, served as funerary symbols, or acted as commemorative monuments. The statues stand between 2 and 3 meters tall. The Piagnaro Castle, which houses the museum since 1975, is an integral part of Pontremoli's defensive system. Built around the year 1000, the castle served as a stronghold, offering refuge to the town's citizens. The castle's name comes from the sandstone slabs (“piagne”) used in local roofs. The museum's exhibits are enriched by multimedia content, enhancing the allure of the statues within the castle setting. Visitors can explore the castle and museum, gaining insights into the history, culture, and artistry of the ancient peoples who created these sculptures. The museum is the most representative in Italy regarding the number of collected specimens and documentation.

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