|
Aghinolfi Castle - Montignoso (MS)
The castle stands on an isolated hill, on the slopes of the
Apuan Alps, to the left of the Tascio torrent.
The sea isn’t far and the fact
that the castle overlooks the via Francigena gave it an important
strategic role.
A document of the eight century proves that in the Lombard period, Aghinulfo
castle stood here. Aghinulfo was probably
a member of the Lombard court of Lucca.
In the late Middle Age the castle,
although not continuously, was under the jurisdiction of Lucca, as
Montagnoso was considered valuable
for its position controlling the sea. Some renovation done on the
structure probably dates back to this time.
Other significant modifications
seem to date back to the fifteenth century and work also continued in
the following centuries in a series of expansions and developments of
the structures.
The last military occupation of
the castle, with the relevant architectural modifications, dates back to
1945, when it was occupied by a Nazi garrison, becoming one of the
strongholds of the Gothic Line.
The architectural complex consists of various
elements: sturdy walls with towers encircling two large spaces at
different heights: the uppermost space is occupied by the parade round,
with a rampant walk supported by numerous arches.
There is also a keep consisting of a large building
with an octagonal base (probably the oldest in the entire complex)
joined to a circular tower (baluardo di San Paolino) by a wall.
The octagonal building, dating back presumably
to the twelfth century, seems to have been used for both military and
residential purposes.
The complex layout of the castle and the numerous
modifications applied over the years are the basis of the recent
restoration, which aims at laying bare the different phases of
construction using archaeological reading techniques on the different
objects found as well as special planning solutions
Practical information "Aghinolfi Castle" |
How to reach |
A12 Motorway
Genoa-Leghorn, Versilia exit (arriving from Leghorn),
Massa exit (arriving from Genoa)
- A-road 1 Aurelia;
- Railway Station: Massa Centro;
- with public transport: CAT, toll free number 800223010 |
Opening times |
Information: Town Hall,
tel. 0585 827207/04, www.comune.montignoso.ms.it, www.castellidilunigiana.it
Open on Sundays from 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (winter);
everyday, except Monday, from 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
(summer) |
|
Courtesy of APT Massa Carrara
|
