4 – MALASPINA CASTLE (ENG)

It dominates the city from the top of a rocky hill, offering a superb view of the coastline.

The grand fortress-museum consists of three distinct units from different periods: the medieval keep, the oldest part, partially carved into the rock; the elegant Renaissance palace; and the imposing defensive walls.

The Renaissance palace became the residence of the Malaspina marquises when they took control of Massa in 1442, remaining their home until the court was relocated to the Ducal Palace.

The palace features remarkable frescoes both inside and on its facades, windows adorned with marble decorations, and a refined loggia.

The bastion system was built during the 16th century and completed in the 17th century.

After the mid-17th century, the castle’s primary function became military until, with the decline of the pre-unification states, it was repurposed as a prison, a role it maintained until 1946. Restoration work carried out in the 1950s by the Pisa Monuments Authority returned the castle to the city.

Note: The Malaspina Castle is undergoing restoration work. At this time, it is not open to the public for safety reasons.