Castello Malaspina, Renaissance palace in Carrara, Italy
Castello Malaspina is a palace in Carrara with two distinct architectural sections: a medieval fortress wing facing Piazza Gramsci and a Renaissance addition along Via Roma. This combination creates a layered structure that shows different building periods in a single complex.
The structure began as a defensive tower in 1187 and was gradually developed into a full castle by 1448 under the Malaspina family's leadership and investment. Their ownership shaped the building's evolution into the important residence it became.
The palace has long served as a gathering place for Carrara's educated classes and remains connected to the city's artistic traditions. Its role in housing the Fine Arts Academy ties it directly to the region's ongoing creative life.
The palace now functions as the home of the Fine Arts Academy and can only be visited by prior appointment with their administration. Best to contact the academy in advance to arrange access, since parts of the building are not always open to visitors.
The palace contains stained glass windows created by the artist Galileo Chini between 1924 and 1934. These windows were installed during a major restoration following earthquake damage to the building.
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