Perched on the rocky bank of the Magra River stands the Castle of Lusuolo, an ancient defensive stronghold of Lunigiana. Today, it is open to the public and houses the Museum of Emigration of the People of Tuscany. The surrounding village, which developed along a single street, still preserves its church dating back to 1187.
Originally belonging to Corrado l'Antico, Marquis of Mulazzo, the castle became the residence of the Marchesi thanks to Azzone Malaspina. In the 15th century, it was partially demolished by the Campofregoso family, after which it was transformed into a Florentine-style residence with expanded and updated defenses. Following the annexation of Pontremoli to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the castle was abandoned, then restored in the 20th century by the Porrini family.
Its halls, kitchen, stables, and soldiers’ chapel all bear witness to its storied past. The Emigration Museum, located within the castle, tells the moving stories of Tuscans who sought fortune abroad—through photographs, documents, and memorabilia.
