The Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo is an imposing structure dating back to the 11th century. Originally a fortified nucleus, the castle was later enlarged with turrets and defensive towers over the following centuries. In 1340, the castle passed from the Nobles of Fosdinovo to Spinetta Malaspina, becoming the political and military center of the fiefs linked to the Malaspina family.
Over time, the interior of the castle was transformed into a refined mansion, adorned with beautiful frescoed rooms. Currently owned by the Marchesi Torrigiani Malaspina, the castle houses a museum, a cultural center dedicated to contemporary arts, a residence for artists and writers, and a small bed and breakfast.
The museum inside the Castle of Fosdinovo offers a guided tour of the main rooms, including the halls frescoed by Gaetano Bianchi, the room that hosted Dante Alighieri, the collection of coins, ceramics, weapons and torture instruments. You can also make a stop in the room where, according to legend, the ghost of the young Bianca Maria Aloisia lives. Legend has it that the girl was walled up alive in this room because of her forbidden love with a stable boy, going against the will of her noble parents.
