4 – MALASPINA CASTLE OF MONTI (ENG)

The Castle of Monti, a medieval fortress located in Monti, a hamlet of Licciana Nardi in the province of Massa-Carrara, dates back to the period between the 11th and 12th centuries. It stands on a hill at the foot of the Taverone stream, in a strategic position where important trade routes intersected, including one coming from Lucca and the strata Lizane, which connected Emilia to the Magra Valley.

Originally, the castle was built by the Este family for military purposes, aiming to control the region and defend commercial routes. The area, once belonging to the Counts of Moregnano, later passed to the Malaspina family of Villafranca, who ruled the fortress for centuries. The castle was involved in numerous conflicts, including an attack by the Genoese in 1449, who held it for 14 years before the Malaspina reconquered it and reinforced its walls.

Over the centuries, the structure underwent several political and architectural transformations. In 1524, Giovanni delle Bande Nere seized the castle to train his troops, but it eventually returned to the Malaspina. In 1638, weary of continuous conflicts and the division of the fief, the local population requested integration into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The castle suffered damage during the 1920 earthquake, but it was later restored and transformed into a noble residence. Its structure is characterized by an imposing square tower, surrounded by circular towers and a perimeter wall with Ghibelline-style battlements. The entrance is guarded by a watchtower, and inside, there is a stone fireplace, a library, and an armory, although some areas have been damaged by past conflicts.

The history of the Castle of Monti is a testament to its central role in territorial control, having witnessed centuries of wars and power shifts before ultimately being transformed into an elegant residence.

Today, the castle is surrounded by a holm oak forest, where the old parade ground once stood, serving as a key defensive area. The main structure, quadrangular in shape, features an imposing keep with a rectangular layout, crowned with stone corbels and corner towers that emphasize its sturdiness. The entrance is located in the largest tower, where loopholes for weapons and supports for a drawbridge can still be seen, preserving evidence of the fortress’s defensive past.

The walls, originally adorned with Ghibelline swallowtail battlements, were later modified with the addition of a pitched roof, giving the castle a more residential appearance. Inside, the castle is well-preserved and fully furnished, offering a series of elegant rooms, including a library and an armory, which narrate the fascinating history of this remarkable building.