Top 5 Castles around Forte Dei Marmi

The Palazzo Ducale is an important monument in Massa, located in Piazza Aranci. It was built in the mid-16th century according to the wishes of Prince Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina. Hence it is also called Palazzo Cybo-Malaspina. The impressive façade overlooking the square offers a color scheme of red and white (in the marble and stucco). Beyond the main entrance opens a large courtyard, surrounded by columns, staircases, loggias and marble portals. At the far end is a nymphaeum with a statue of Neptune riding the waves.

The mighty Malaspina castle/fortress dominates the center of the city of Massa from the top of one of the rocky hills that end the valleyi of the Frigido stream. The toponym 'Massa' is high and easily identified in Tuscany; its original meaning was 'extensive landholdings'. More info at www.castellitoscani

Piazza Aranci in Massa is named after the double row of orange trees, which were planted in the early nineteenth century after the hotly debated demolition of the church of San Pietro on the orders of Countess Elisa Baciocchi, Napoleon's niece. In the beginning, sweet citrus trees were selected and strict laws were in place to ensure that tourists and passers-by did not pick the fruits, which were instead given to charities. Over time, less tasty bitter citrus fruits were planted, which turned out to be stronger in winter. Giacomo Leopardi and Giosué Carducci were equally captivated by these trees and mentioned them in letters after visiting the square.

Beautiful square with lots of orange trees around it

Castle where a prison was located during the war

The village of Monteggiori, part of which dates back to the 13th century, houses the ruins of the walls of the castle of the same name, as well as its entrance door.

The Rocca di Sala, also known as Rocca Ghibellina, is one of the fortresses in the town of Pietrasanta. The Rocca is of Lombard origin and has great historical and cultural importance. Historical personalities who passed through Pietrasanta and stayed there, such as Charles VIII and Charles V, found shelter in this room. You can already see the Rocca di Sala from the main square in the center of Pietrasanta. In the 18th century it was disarmed and sold by order of Leopold I, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Since then, the Rocca has gradually passed through a state of almost complete abandonment, leading to the loss of part of its walls and of the Palazzo Guinigi, the noble residence located within.

To strengthen Pietrasanta's defensive system, in 1324 Castruccio Castracani had the Rocca di Sala strengthened and the Rocchetta Arrighina built next to the Porta a Pisa. Adjacent to the Porta a Pisa, the only survivor of the three that served as the entrance to the old village, the Rocchetta Arrighina was built by Castruccio Castracani in the 14th century and dedicated to his son Arrigo. In the 15th century it was rebuilt by Francione La Cecca. In the 19th century it underwent major renovations, with the construction of adjoining buildings and the opening of new windows on the ground floor.