Castle of Borgo Val di Taro, Medieval fortress in Borgo Val di Taro, Italy.
The Castle of Borgo Val di Taro is a medieval fortress located where three Italian regions meet: Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, and Liguria in the Apennine mountains. Today portions of the original walls survive within the town center, standing alongside the 13th-century Romanesque church of Sant'Antonino.
The fortress developed during the medieval period and served as a key territorial stronghold under the Landi family's rule. In the late 16th century, Ottavio Farnese took control when the Landi influence declined due to shifting regional politics.
The fortress shaped the growth of this small town, which formed around its walls and has remained the center of the community through the centuries. Pilgrims and traders passed through this place, relying on its protection and shelter along their journeys.
The site can be explored freely since the remains sit within public town space and are accessible alongside the neighboring church. Bring comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven and there are steps to navigate.
Its position along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route to Rome made this fortress a vital stopping point for travelers, underlining its strategic importance. This heritage remains visible in how the town itself is organized along this ancient path.
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