5 – MALGRATE (ENG)

The village of Malgrate is a charming medieval settlement located in Villafranca in Lunigiana. Founded by Marquis Nicolò Malaspina in the early decades of the 14th century, the village developed alongside the castle, which still dominates the landscape today. The castle is renowned for its cylindrical tower, nearly 25 meters high, which served to oversee the surrounding valley and was connected to the tower of the Bagnone Castle.

In 1351, the Malgrate fief expanded to include the localities of Filetto, Orturano, Irola, and Mocrone, which, after Nicolò’s death, were governed by his son Bernabò Malaspina.

The Malgrate Castle is open to visitors and preserves the medieval history of this fascinating location.