Top 11 Castles around Vagli Sotto

The Rocca Ariostesca is a medieval fortified military structure located in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The rocca is the symbol of the city and overlooks the central Piazza Umberto I. It owes its name to having been the seat of the Este government and to having hosted, from 1522 to 1525, as governor of the Garfagnana of the Este, the poet Ludovico Ariosto, who was succeeded in the following century by Fulvio Testi. A small outpost already existed on the site in the 10th century, but it can be said that the original structure of the Rocca as we know it today dates back to the 12th century; modified throughout the 13th century, it was significantly enlarged in the early 14th century by Castruccio Castracani, who determined an enlargement of the entire village walls. It was then Paolo Guinigi who ordered the construction of the imposing tower located in the center of the Rocca, adorned with the civic clock, which over time was also used as a prison. The terrace overlooking the square was erected in 1675, coinciding with the opening of the monumental arch of access to the city center. The internal furnishings have been lost, among which the tapestries that adorned the "Sala dei Principi" (Hall of the Princes) are known. The Rocca was damaged during the Second World War and subsequently restored. As a venue for exhibitions and cultural events, it houses the Archaeological Museum in its halls, which preserves numerous artifacts and testimonies from the prehistoric, Ligurian-Apuan, and Etruscan periods in Garfagnana.

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.

Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - Tea Time Sunday, the locals in the new castle are also enjoying the peace. The apostles Peter and Paul invite us into the shade of their modest prayer house (Parrocchia Abbaziale dei SS. Apostoli Pietro e Paolo). The holy water is bubbling… The tea ceremony is a feast for the eyes when the tea bag changes the water in color and scent. After a short toast we bring comfort to Don Quixote. Seated on his horse Rocinate at Rocca Ariostesca, (old city gate) he continues his battle alone… Wandering further through the empty alleys and streets, students in Teatro Alfieri manage to entertain us with a matinée. Students put their best foot forward while fellow students, with crossed fingers, encourage the main character. Exam passed It was nice to be in the new castle during our tea time. Read more experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/en-gb/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

Camporgiano is located on the right bank of the Serchio River, in a verdant valley that divides the mountain ranges of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. Of Roman origin, the town was contested by numerous families and lordships since the Middle Ages; in 1446 it became part of the dominions of the Este family, until the Unification of Italy. The undisputed “star” of Camporgiano is the Rocca Estense, built on a rocky spur, and whose bulk dominates the main square of the town. At the top of the Rocca there is a sort of hanging garden in which some conifers stand out, giving the fortress an unmistakable character, dialoguing from afar with the fir trees that cover the heights of the surrounding reliefs. The fortress was built for defensive purposes in the 15th century and is an emblematic example of Este military architecture of the 15th century, with its trapezoidal wall and truncated conical corner towers protruding from the plan profile. Once the medieval center of the city, today the fortress does not retain much of its original structure due to the earthquake that struck the entire area in 1920. At the foot of the fortress you can also admire a stone fountain traditionally called the pilon. The main tower of the fortress houses the Civic Collection of Renaissance Ceramics, which brings together ceramics from a period ranging from the early fifteenth century to the second half of the seventeenth century, mostly found in the wells of the fortification during restoration work.

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

fantastic views of the mountains and the valley. Ideal picnic area with beautiful grass squares. Very quiet area.

Fortezza mont'Alfonso: Unusually large fortress of the Este family from the 16th century. From here you have a really fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and plains. Open-air concerts are regularly held here in summer. Entry to the fortress and parking in front of it are free. However, it is also advisable to park the car in Castelnuovo Garfagnana and take the "Ariosto" hiking trail.