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Malaspina Castle in Massa, Massa Carrara, Tuscany

The Malaspina Castle in Massa represents one of the most important complex in Tuscany and it can be considered an open air museum. The castello stands on the hill at the foot of the Apuan Alps.

The site was presumably occupied in the Late Middle Age by the Marchesi of Massa, although the earliest written documentation relevant to the castle dates back to the 12th century.

In the 15th century Massa became the property of the Marchesi Malaspina di Fosdinovo, who transformed the castle into a residence with important architectural work that lasted until the 17th century and included also restructuring the defensive parts. The architectural complex, which at the end of the 19th century was finally transformed into a prison, remained such up to 1946, but today after a restoration, it consists of 3 distinct units: the sturdy walls, with their ramparts, walks and embrasures for the artillery, the residence and the keep. Each of these elements shows signs of the various phases of constructions, development and modification.

The residential part is particularly interesting with a layout that follows the line of an elegant internal courtyard, and with some impressive frescoes both in the halls inside and on the facades of the building.

The whole complex has been recently reopened to the public after many years of refurbishing.

How to reach A12 Motorway Genoa-Leghorn exit Massa A-road 1 Aurelia Railway station: Massa Centro
Free admission for people over 60
Address: Via del Forte – 54100 Massa
Telephone: 0585/44774
Fax: 0585/490215
sito: www.istitutovalorizzazionecastelli.it
closed: Monday
Opening times: Winter Sat 9:00-12:00, Sun 15:00-18:00 Summer Every day 9:30-12:00 and 16:00 -19.30

Note Guided Tours are available

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