Fortezza Verrucole Archeopark

Fortezza Verrucole Archeopark is a medieval fortress museum situated on a hillside overlooking the Garfagnana valley in Tuscany. The site displays stone fortifications, defensive towers, and intact walls that reveal how settlements were structured for protection during the Middle Ages.

The fortress was built during the medieval period as a strategic outpost to control the Garfagnana valley. Its structures were later reinforced and modified to adapt with changes in warfare and defensive techniques over the centuries.

The fortress takes its name from the Latin word 'verruca', referring to a wart-like protrusion, which describes the distinctive shape of the hilltop itself. The preserved layout reflects how medieval communities arranged their defenses and daily spaces within a single fortified location.

It is necessary to arrange a visit in advance as access is limited to guided tours that require prior booking. Wear sturdy shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the hilltop location involves climbing and walking across uneven stone surfaces.

The museum features replica medieval tools and weapons that visitors can handle and experiment with to understand the difficulty of period craftsmanship. Through hands-on interaction, visitors gain insight into the physical strength and specialized skills required to create everyday objects in medieval times.