The Castle of Tresana, a typical Lunigiana manor, has a rich history of transformation. The original quadrangular tower, dating back to the year 1000, was expanded over the centuries with the addition of a large circular tower. In 1565, Emperor Maximilian II granted Guglielmo Malaspina the investiture, establishing Tresana as an independent fief.
The fief enjoyed the rare privilege of minting coins; however, in 1588, the Tresana Mint was implicated in counterfeiting activities, leading to excommunication by Pope Clement VIII. A turbulent period followed, marked by popular uprisings against the Malaspina family, including the assassination of Marquis Iacopo in 1650. The castle was occupied by the Spanish in 1660 and later sold—first to the Corsini princes, then to the French in 1797. After the Congress of Vienna, it was returned to the Corsini, and eventually sold to Luigi Rossi in 1856.
Until a few years ago, the castle was in a precarious state. Fortunately, in 2009, the Defendente Maneschi Foundation acquired the property, restoring it to its former splendor and making it accessible by appointment. At the foot of the fortress, the former guesthouse for pilgrims on the Via Francigena now operates as the Castello di Tresana Bed and Breakfast, open year-round. Guests have free access to the castle’s striking outdoor spaces, offering a unique experience in a beautifully restored historic setting.
