Properties in Fosdinovo

Fosdinovo, the town of the noble Tuscan Malaspina family

Tuscany is one of the oldest regions in Italy in cultural terms. It was here that the first human settlements of Etruscan origin and civilisation emerged. However, there are also several Neolithic sites that tell a different story, running parallel to that of the Etruscans, of Italic civilisation.

One of the oldest towns in prehistoric terms is Fosdinovo. It is situated in the northern part of Tuscany, just beyond Liguria, and lies in the region’s hinterland. Fosdinovo is certainly one of those places perfect for those who love nature, adventure, history and tranquillity.

It is indeed very ancient; based on the latest archaeological finds, we can see that it originated around the Neolithic period. However, it only became significant as a settlement when it came under the territorial rule of the Malaspina family.

This noble Tuscan family was among the most powerful, both economically and politically. They were involved in many intrigues which have since gone down in history. 

The Malaspina Legacy 

In the town of Fosdinovo, we see that all the monuments are dedicated to the power of the Malaspina family. Indeed, they invested heavily in this town, both architecturally and commercially. The aim was probably to make it flourish economically. However, it is a town with a very distinctive layout.

In fact, its lack of social development is due to its location. Fosdinovo is situated atop some mountains, making it rather difficult to reach. However, this makes it an excellent stronghold and a strategically important military position.

In any case, among the monuments that are a must-see on a holiday in this town are:

-    Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo

-    Malaspina Tower, situated practically right next to the castle and near the Upper Gate, which is the main entrance to the town

-    The Upper Gate, later renamed the Florentine Gate

-    The Lower Gate, belonging to the Malaspina family

-    The Malaspina Moat

-    Malaspina Theatre

-    Villa Malaspina

Virtually the whole town and its main monuments bear the Malaspina name, as they were the ones who decided to build palaces befitting their economic and political power.

In addition to this, however, the family devoted themselves to the construction of religious buildings and architecture. It should not be forgotten that religion was very important in Italy, so much so that it held all political power.

Indeed, among the monuments worth visiting is the Church of San Remigio, which features a splendid staircase in white Carrara marble. This is even regarded as the cathedral of Fosdinovo. A funerary monument to the Malaspina family is the Oratory of the Bianchi. The latter is a huge building constructed from white marble.

Finally, the entire historic centre of Fosdinovo is a medieval attraction, as its many narrow streets and alleys evoke a bygone era.

The three hamlets of Fosdinovo

Although the town was under the rule of the Tuscan family, it should not be forgotten that there were, nevertheless, areas that belonged to various members of the Malaspina family. This gave rise to the three hamlets of Fosdinovo. In the past, they were rivals, but today they form the outlying districts of the town itself. They are beautiful hamlets, each situated in such a way as to possess its own unique charm.

There is the hamlet of Ponzanello, situated at the junction of two mountains. We can consider it the outermost part of the town. Then there is the hamlet of Giuncano, situated on the side of the mountain and offering a splendid view ahead. Finally, there is the hamlet of Pulica, nestled in the heart of nature. In Pulica, you can truly enjoy some adventures, as there is also an adventure park that winds its way through the wild countryside of Fosdinovo.