Castle of Madrignano, Medieval castle in Calice al Cornoviglio, Italy.
The Castle of Madrignano is a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop with a distinctive round corner tower and solid stone walls that overlook the Lunigiana region in Liguria. The structure retains its original defensive architecture, with fortified walls and towers designed to command views of the surrounding landscape.
The fortress first appears in written records in 1162 through an imperial document issued by Frederick Barbarossa, when it was placed under the control of Obizzo Malaspina. Later, it came under the rule of the Republic of Genoa, becoming part of the region's shifting political landscape.
The castle houses a museum dedicated to ancient Ligurians, where visitors can see artifacts and records that show how early inhabitants of the region lived and what they valued. Walking through the exhibits reveals the daily practices and customs of people who lived here centuries ago.
The site sits on a hilltop, so visitors should plan for a walk from the village, especially if arriving by public transport, and wear appropriate footwear for the terrain. Time spent climbing to reach the castle allows visitors to take in the surrounding views along the way.
During a ten-day military occupation between 1705 and 1706, the castle sustained serious damage from fighting among French, Spanish, and Austrian forces vying for control of the region. The scars from this period of conflict remain visible in the structure today, telling a story of the territory's contested past.
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