Top 14 Castles around Pontremoli

The Statue Stele are anthropomorphic vertical stone sculptures, of variable size but generally between 2 and 3 meters in height. These mysterious works of art are testimonies to the culture and spirituality of the ancient peoples who inhabited Lunigiana. Their exact function remains a subject of debate among scholars. Some hypothesize that the Statue Stele could represent ancient gods or local deities, while others suggest they could be funerary symbols or commemorative monuments. The carved figures often feature enigmatic and abstract symbols, such as concentric circles, cupules, and linear engravings, which may have religious, astronomical, or ritualistic significance. The understanding of these symbols is still the subject of research and study by archaeologists and experts.

A beautiful town in the Parma Apennines. Worth a visit.

Medieval Castle of 1351. The fortification, which controlled the most important communication routes coming from the Apennines, Cisa and Garfagnana, developed in the 14th century (but its origins are probably older) and on its tower, 25 meters high and crowned by a corbeled patrol embossment, the flag of the Malaspina marquises flew until the 17th century. In addition to performing defensive functions, the castle became a noble residence in 1641, when the central body was transformed into a palace, incorporating the round tower. Despite this, the appearance of Malgrate is that of a classic medieval fortress: the main body is made up of the keep, located on the short side of the rectangular feudal palace and surrounded by walls, equipped with Guelph battlements, slopes and a patrol walkway that seems to date back to the 14th century.

The Piagnaro Castle is a fortress built in a strategic point to protect the Apennine passes and around which the first medieval nucleus was formed, built around the year 1000. For centuries it has been an integral part of the city's defensive system. In its thousand-year history it has undergone numerous destructions and subsequent reconstructions that have brought it to its current appearance. The Castle maintained its military function until the end of the 18th century. Its name derives from the so-called piagne, the gray sandstone slabs used in Lunigiana to cover the roofs of buildings, including that of the castle.

The hike up to the castle is worth it. Great views!

Campanone is a term used in Pontremoli to refer to a medieval tower, the only remaining part of a medieval fortress called Fortezza di Cazzaguerra. The tower was built in 1322. Its purpose was to keep the Guelph and Ghibelline factions of the city separated. The central tower was equipped from the beginning with a bell to warn the citizens of possible dangers. Only later was the tower raised and the actual bell tower built.

Berceto is a charming village located in the Parma Apennines, at an altitude of 852 meters above sea level. It is located halfway between Parma and La Spezia, in the valley of the Taro river, in the Emilia-Romagna region Berceto is a stop on the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route of early medieval Christianity to Rome. The ancient village preserves the character and atmosphere typical of the Middle Ages, with stone houses, buildings from the 12th to the 17th centuries and the ruins of a castle. Some of the main attractions are the Cathedral of St. Moderanno, an important example of Romanesque architecture, and the ruins of the Castle of Berceto. Next to the church is the Cathedral Museum, which preserves sacred furniture and vestments, including the 12th century Cape of San Moderanno.

The Lunigiana stele statues on display are worth seeing. I found it quite interesting. From the top you have a beautiful view of the city