Massa (Italy)

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Montignoso is one of the smallest communes of Lunigiana (the name of this part of Tuscany), but has always played an important part in history. This is thanks to its position on top of a hill from which it dominates the valley below which is crossed by a stream. Its position also allows it control the Tyrrhenian coast which is only four kilometers away. The Castle is first mentioned in documents of the year 753 A.D., when the Longobard king Astolfo ...
...of the abbey of Nonantola near Modena, of a piece of land in this area. From the name 'Aghinolfo' came out the clear Longobard origin of the castle, even if it's not sure that its foundation was been effected by the King in person or by a vassal of him, while it's certain that the zone of Montignoso belonged at that times to the crown. Certainly the castle was the most powerful of the valley and shelter for all the populations of the zone in case ... Read review

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...of our territory which make Massa unique, due to the peculiar characteristics whic impress every newcomer; it is not easy, actually, to find such a variety of landscapes within just a few miles: from the sea to the tilled countryside, the city, the hills and the Apuan Alps, with their hidden treasures that man has, though, always been aware of. Marble, which has been quarried and fabricated since Roman times in the quarries of near-by Carrara, springs ...
...mountains, all included within and protected by a healthy and temperate climate, where it never snows; so much so that orange trees, as well as many succulent plants, can peacefully vegetate here. A few steps from the flatland, on plateaus jutting out to the river Frigido, some mountain villages of extremely ancient origins (such as Altagnana, Antona, Pariana), which must have been inhabited since pre-historical times. ... Read review

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Crossed by the ancient Via Francigena, Lunigiana is an area extending from the Apennines to the mouth of the Magra river. This area, belonging in part to Tuscany and in part to Liguria, is rich in mediaeval history: castles, Romanesque churches and ancient villages of extraordinary beauty dot the landscape making it difficult to choose what to see. Aulla, Filetto, Licciana Nardi, Pontremoli, Villafranca are the most important centers of Lunigiana. ...
...dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. In fact, this small but attractive region has over the centuries been dominated by various groups of people, each settlement leaving traces of their presence. Castles Roman Parish Churches In addition, in the museum in Pontremoli you can admire the stela statues dating back to 3000 BC. The Lunigiana cuisine is well known. Several restaurants and 'trattorie' have maintained the old culinary traditions, ... Read review

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...ancient road called Via Francigena, Massa was once the rest place for pilgrims travelling from France to Rome. Upto the 11th century Massa belonged to the Bishops of Luni. However, the most significant marks on the town were left by two noted families the Malaspinas and Cybo Malaspinas, who ruled Massa for three centuries from 1440. The core of Massa is Piazza Aranci named after the orange trees that border the square on three sides. On the remaining ...
...known as the "red palace" because of its flame red facade) which was built in 1550. Its spacious inner courtyard is of extraordinary beauty. Malaspina Castle is situated just a few minutes walk above the town centre. The base of the square tower is the oldest part, which is flanked by three cylindrical towers enclosed by an embattled curtain wall. ... Read review