A Ghost Hunting Adventure at the Fosdinovo Castle

Do you like ghost stories and ancient legends? Well, then, you should head to Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo in Northern Tuscany. Waiting to be discovered as a medieval masterpiece, this architectural marvel serves as an invitation for travelers wanting an epic journey into history, legend, and art history.

Why Visit Fosdinovo Castle?

Here are a few reasons:

Breathtaking panoramas: Situated between the stunning Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Coast, Fosdinovo Castle provides spectacular panoramic views.

Architectural Splendor: With its quadrangular form and four circular towers, the castle stands as an outstanding example of medieval military architecture, decorated with elements that possess artistic and architectural value.

Cultural Hub: Beyond its walls, the castle serves as a cultural center, supporting contemporary arts and serving as an inspiration source for artists and writers worldwide. 

Ghost Hunting: You may run into the ghost of Bianca Malaspina…

Where is Fosdinovo Castle?

Located in the serene region of Lunigiana, the castle stands proudly between the provinces of Massa Carrara, Tuscany, and La Spezia, Ligury. It’s easily accessible for those exploring the northern Tuscan coast, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

The Legend of Bianca di Malaspina

As you wander through the castle’s ancient halls, you’ll be drawn into the tragic tale of Bianca Malaspina.

Bianca Malaspina was the daughter of the Marquis of Fosdinovo, an influential and proud nobleman who ruled over Fosdinovo castle and surrounding lands during the 17th century. According to legend, she was beautiful and gentle, yet rebellious and passionate; she fell for one of her young stableman workers at Fosdinovo who defied social norms as well as her fatherly authority.

One day, however, the Marquis discovered their affair and was furious. To punish his daughter and her lover in an extreme manner he ordered his men to confine Bianca alive to one small room of the castle with her faithful dog and a wild boar as symbols of rebellion; later he banished Bianca’s stableman forever from their land.

One day, however, the Marquis discovered their affair and was furious. To punish his daughter and her lover in an extreme manner he ordered his men to confine Bianca alive to one small room of the castle with her faithful dog and a wild boar as symbols of rebellion; later he banished Bianca’s stableman forever from their land.

Bianca died slowly, suffocated by lack of air and the heat generated from burning wood Torches outside. Her beloved companions died with her, leaving their footprints on the ceiling of their room as proof that he hadn’t erased Bianca from memory.

Since that day, Bianca Malaspina’s ghost has been said to wander the castle looking for her lost love. Some say she can often be found dressed in white with long, loose-flowing locks on full moon nights, wandering halls and corridors accompanied by the sounds of her dogs and the boar.

Is it really Bianca sobbing or crying as she hopes for an escape route out of this prison? Who knows! No matter the truth of it all, this legend has made this castle famous and an absolute must-see attraction!

Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo provides an unforgettable journey into the medieval world. Like something out of an epic novel, its walls hold centuries-old secrets.

Malaspina family acquired Fosdinovo Castle during the early 14th century, when Spinetta Malaspina, an esteemed condottiere and lord, reconquered it from Castruccio Castracani (Duke of Lucca). Spinetta became the founder of the Marquisate of Fosdinovo using this castle as his main residence and expanding it further; creating an impressive fortress.

Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo stands in an advantageous location, enjoying stunning vistas encompassing both the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian coast. Surrounded by picturesque villages lining northern Tuscany coastlines and overlooking the sea of Tyrrhenian coast, its striking facade stands as a powerful and tangible reminder of ancient history within this region; its walls have witnessed the rise and fall of entire dynasties, epic battles, and political intrigue, not to mention being home to nobles and knights alike!

At present, the castle has evolved into much more than just a historical structure: it serves as a vibrant and lively museum and cultural center dedicated to producing and disseminating contemporary art. Artists and writers alike find great inspiration here, while writers use it as an outlet for their creativity; its special ambiance attracts brilliant minds from across the globe making the fortress an international crossroad of revolutionary ideas. With its majestic towers and formidable walls, here, history blends seamlessly with legend to inspire incredible tales that stir emotions while stirring imaginations.

Dante’s Room

Among the many fascinating stories that surround the castle, none is perhaps more significant than that of the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Author of the immortal Divine Comedy, he left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of these lands, where he stayed for over a year at the court of the Malaspina. In his honor, an ancient chapel of the castle was transformed into his room and, since then, it has been known as “Dante’s Room”. This place, still open to visits, preserves intact the atmosphere of the time, offering a suggestive journey into the past.

Castle’s Library

The castle also houses a rich library, with over 15,000 volumes, some of which are rare and precious manuscripts. The most remarkable room of the castle is perhaps the throne room, where the Malaspina family received their guests and held their ceremonies. Here, you can admire the splendid frescoes that depict the history and the legends of the castle, as well as the famous footprints of Bianca Malaspina and her animals.

This historical structure, with its quadrangular shape and its four circular towers at the corners, represents a magnificent example of military architecture of the Middle Ages, able to capture attention with elements of great artistic and architectural value. Once you cross the threshold of the castle, you find yourself in a Norman courtyard, a quiet and secluded place that captures attention. From here, you can access the central courtyard, characterized by an ancient well and an imposing sixteenth-century portal with elegant stone columns.

Visits to the castle are not just visual spectacles; they’re also auditory. Indeed, The Voice of the Castle consists of hidden speakers positioned throughout its rooms and corridors that play sounds associated with its history and atmosphere – creating an engaging dialogue between past and present, real and fantasy worlds, and human and supernatural forces.

The castle is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm for guided tours, workshops, and events all year long. Additionally, guests may stay overnight in one of its beautiful rooms to experience living a fairy tale for one more night! Additionally, weddings, parties, meetings, and conferences may rent its spaces making this venue perfect for any special event!

Staying Overnight at Castello Fosdinovo

If you wish to stay overnight at the Castello di Fosdinovo, book a room online through their official website or other platforms like Tripadvisor or Booking.com. The average price for a double room is around $112 per night.

Reviews from past guests rave that this castle is an amazing place to stay, boasting stunning views, rich history, and friendly staff. They even offer tours, breakfast services and bar services! Unfortunately though, some drawbacks include no air conditioning or Wi-Fi signal and difficulty reaching it by car – something all guests must consider prior to making their decision!

Well, this concludes this post on this fascinating castle. If you do go and visit, let me know if you heard Bianca in the corridors!! 👻🏰✨