Tuscany is a region that can be enjoyed to an extent if one is dependent on public transport but is, without a doubt, best explored if you have a car at your disposal because then you can both find the impossibly famous attractions on most people's bucket lists with ease, as well as stumble upon all sorts of other unexpected gems along the way. From tiny towns that most people have never heard of to pretty views that appear around a bend to incredible family-run eateries to wonderful local artistic and architectural feats, there are all sorts of things to be uncovered as you explore the Tuscan landscape. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca, for example, and have rented a car to ramble around this beautiful province, you might find yourself stumbling across the impressive Fortezza delle Verrucole, or Verrucole Castle.
The Fortezza delle Verrucole is a striking medieval fortress that is located in the comune of San Romano in Garfagnana, not far from the city of Lucca. Perched dramatically on a hillside high above the village of Verrucole, the castle is incredibly picturesque but also steeped in history and a fascinating museum today. For those interested in medieval life, art, and architecture, those who have a fondness for castles, and those who seek out pretty spots while on holidays, this gem is an absolute must-see.
Built between the 11th and the 12th centuries for the Gherardinghi family, the castle was key in their dispute with the Bacciano family over the two clans' opposing claims on the nearby municipality of San Romano. By building the Fortezza delle Verrucole, the Gherardinghi family was able to have an imposing and looming presence pyschologically over the area and it helped them to physically defend their claim. Later, the Castrum Verrucolae Gherardinghi (as it was called on an imperial seal in 1376 by Charles IV) was given to Spinetta Malaspina of another important medieval power-holding family, who controlled lands that were located in Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna.
In 1430, the castle was then taken by the Florentines during the conflict between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines but was taken by Lucca just four years later. Then, in 1446, the famous Este family took the castle and the entire territory of San Romano came under their rule. The final battle over the castle took place in 1520, when it was besieged by a Florentine army. However, from the second half of the 16th century, the Este family consolidated their hold on the castle and the surrounding lands and mananged to retain both until Italy was unified in 1870. Abandoned for decades, the Fortezza delle Verrucole fell into ruin and was completely overgrown. While it was once at risk of complete collapse, thankfully the castle was rescued from ruination and underwent six years of careful restoration and is now open to the public as a museum of the Middle Ages with various exhibits on different aspects of medieval life from food to medicine to warfare.
So, if you have found yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany or you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and you are exploring the stunning landscape of this part of the region and you happen to see a castle that is surveying the surrounding area majestically from a great height, we would encourage you to go and visit it. Head to Fortezza delle Verrucole to learn about life in the Middle Ages, to admire the fairytale setting and incredible view, and to enjoy one of the most truly impressive of medieval castles that there is to be found in all of Italy.
Built between the 11th and the 12th centuries for the Gherardinghi family, the castle was key in their dispute with the Bacciano family over the two clans' opposing claims on the nearby municipality of San Romano. By building the Fortezza delle Verrucole, the Gherardinghi family was able to have an imposing and looming presence pyschologically over the area and it helped them to physically defend their claim. Later, the Castrum Verrucolae Gherardinghi (as it was called on an imperial seal in 1376 by Charles IV) was given to Spinetta Malaspina of another important medieval power-holding family, who controlled lands that were located in Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna.
In 1430, the castle was then taken by the Florentines during the conflict between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines but was taken by Lucca just four years later. Then, in 1446, the famous Este family took the castle and the entire territory of San Romano came under their rule. The final battle over the castle took place in 1520, when it was besieged by a Florentine army. However, from the second half of the 16th century, the Este family consolidated their hold on the castle and the surrounding lands and mananged to retain both until Italy was unified in 1870. Abandoned for decades, the Fortezza delle Verrucole fell into ruin and was completely overgrown. While it was once at risk of complete collapse, thankfully the castle was rescued from ruination and underwent six years of careful restoration and is now open to the public as a museum of the Middle Ages with various exhibits on different aspects of medieval life from food to medicine to warfare.
So, if you have found yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany or you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and you are exploring the stunning landscape of this part of the region and you happen to see a castle that is surveying the surrounding area majestically from a great height, we would encourage you to go and visit it. Head to Fortezza delle Verrucole to learn about life in the Middle Ages, to admire the fairytale setting and incredible view, and to enjoy one of the most truly impressive of medieval castles that there is to be found in all of Italy.
Photo credit: Iris.gonelli / CC BY-SA 4.0
