5 – CAPRIGLIOLA (ENG)

Perched on a hill overlooking the Magra Valley, Caprigliola once controlled the trade routes and the Francigena Street, which ran up the valley toward the ports of Luni and Bocca di Magra.

Already a fortified settlement by 1185, it served as the summer residence of the Bishops of Luni. Some remains of their presence can still be seen, particularly the elegant cylindrical tower, which is still visible today and now serves as the bell tower of the 18th-century Church of Saint Nicolò. The tower, built from sandstone, stands nearly 30 meters tall. In keeping with the tradition of defensive towers, its entrance was elevated and accessible only by a ladder. 

In 1401, Caprigliola was handed over to Florence, and in 1556, Cosimo de’ Medici ordered the construction of the fortified walls, which are still well preserved today. These include the 15th-century gate, Medici coats of arms, richly decorated portals, and marble religious reliefs.

The walls were likely built over the 14th-century fortifications commissioned by Enrico da Fucecchio, Bishop of Luni, who constructed the cassero, a rectangular tower consisting of three chambers.

Along the national road, one finds the Sanctuary of Madonna of Angels, which, according to tradition, is the protector of expectant mothers. This is evidenced by the ribbons and rosettes that adorn the building, left as offerings by the faithful.