How to Step Back into the Middle Ages at the Verrucole Fortress

Imagine traveling back in time to medieval era Italy and witnessing how people lived, worked and fought within its walls? From walking along stone walls and climbing towers to witnessing soldiers and nobles living their daily lives inside these fortified walls… Not only could you also take in spectacular views of Tuscan countryside while learning more about its natural and cultural wonders!

Imagine yourself transported back in time! Well, it’s not an unattainable fantasy – the Verrucole Fortress in Tuscany offers visitors just such an opportunity. Step back in time at this medieval stronghold in the center of Tuscany where all this and more awaits.

What is the Verrucole Fortress?

Verrucole Fortress is a magnificent stone castle perched atop a 600-meter hill and offering unparalleled views of the Apuan Alps, Apennines, and valley below. Constructed around 1000 by Gherardinghi family– a powerful clan which once ruled over this region- the Verrucole Fortress served to defend them against rival Bacciano clan, Florentines, Luccheseses and Estensi families in defense against them using this fortress to defend them using this fortress against rival Bacciano clan; Florentines used this fortress to defend themself against Florentines from Florentines while Florentines made use of it against Florentines Florentines against Florentines as well.

Verrucole Fortress comprises two sections, Rocca Tonda and Rocca Quadra. Rocca Tonda dates back to the 11th century; its large octagonal tower resembles that of nearby Castle Aghinolfi. To enter, you must climb a steep stone staircase leading into its Lord’s rooms on two floors, which still contain remains from kitchens, living quarters, guest chambers, etc. At its foot was once an impressive chapel where two columns with carved capitals could be found!

The Rocca Quadra, built during the 13th century, is the more recent and lower portion of this fortress, featuring a rectangular tower, wall, gate, and crenellated enclosure enclosing an inner courtyard featuring wells and bread ovens; from here you can access crenelated walls which run along its edges connecting each part of this fortress.

Verrucole Fortress offers more than just a museum visit; it is an immersive living history experience! Explore its towers and rooms while learning how soldiers and nobles lived there; take part in exhibits or activities such as catapult-building workshops, falconry shows or archery lessons; dress in medieval costume to feel like you’re a knight or lady – the fortress even has its own chapel dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul!

In the 17th century, this fortress fell into disrepair and lay abandoned for centuries before volunteers in the 1980s began restoration efforts and turned it into a living museum. Nowadays, visitors can come and see it for themselves and get an insight into Tuscany’s medieval past and culture. Are you ready to experience life as it was back in the Middle Ages? Look no further than Tuscany’s Verrucole Fortress; it will transport you back in time!

Verrucole Fortress is also a great destination for hikers — surrounded by beautiful nature, it offers visitors ample opportunity for hiking and walking excursions in its surrounding area. Garfagnana in particular is famed for its natural splendor with valleys, mountains and forests boasting numerous hiking trails. Nearby villages such as Pieve Fosciana, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga can also be visited to sample local cuisine and produce.

How to Visit the Verrucole Fortress

The Castle stands atop Verrucole Village in Garfagnana. To reach it from Lucca exit of A11 Firenze-Mare highway, follow first SS12 Abetone/Brennero then SS435 of Garfagnana until Castelnuovo; from here follow signs for San Romano where it’s easy to climb Verrucole. It is open between April and October from 10 am to 7 pm daily and admission fees for adults is EUR8 while children 6-17 can enter free of charge; for tours/audio guides you may book guided tour/audio guides at additional costs; alternatively you may reach it by car/bus/foot from Verrucole village itself or through its official website for more details.

Fun Facts and Legends about the Verrucole Fortress

The name Verrucole comes from the Latin word “verruca”, which means “wart”. This refers to the shape of the hill on which the fortress stands.

The fortress was the scene of a famous battle in 1306, when the Florentines, led by Dante Alighieri, attacked the Ghibelline forces of the Gherardinghi and the Ubertini. The battle ended with a victory for the Ghibellines, and a retreat for the Florentines.

Verrucole’s name derives from Latin verruca, meaning wart. This refers to the hill on which stands this fortress.

The fortress also boasts a connection to Dante Alighieri, the famous creator of the Divine Comedy. Just like in Pitigliano we found some interesting connection to Dante, Verrucole in 1306 became famously associated with an epic battle when Florentines led by Dante Alighieri engaged the Ghibelline forces of Gherardinghi and Ubertini fortress to attack. Unfortunately for Florentines, however, the battle turned decisively in favor of Ghibellines who eventually won, while Florentines were forced into retreat.

Haunted Fortress

Did you know that fhe fortress is haunted by the ghost of a young girl killed by her lover, a soldier at the fortress? According to legend, her father had arranged for a marriage between the girl and another man; instead she ran away with her lover; who unfortunately betrayed her, stabbing her fatally in a tower, while still calling his name! Now her ghost still roams freely through the fortress looking for him while crying his name aloud.

Conclusion: Why Should you Visit the Verrucole Fortress?

Verrucole Fortress offers many reasons to visit, with these three being among them:

Explore a well-preserved example of medieval military architecture! Constructed of stone, the fortress stands on an ideal position with panoramic valley views from all directions. Admire its towers, walls, chapel and craftsmanship of its medieval builders!

Be immersed in medieval history at this living history experience. Explore its rooms and corridors to witness how soldiers and nobles lived there; participate in exhibits or activities like catapult-building workshops, falconry shows and archery lessons; even dress up in period costumes to feel like you’re knight or lady for the day!

Get out into nature and admire the breathtaking landscape. A lovely nature awaits at Garfagnana’s fortress, providing hiking and walking opportunities through valleys, mountains, forests and numerous hiking trails – not forgetting nearby villages such as Pieve Fosciana, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga where you can sample local cuisine and products!

Tuscany and Verrucole Fortress offer an unforgettable Middle Ages experience that you won’t want to miss! Don’t regret visiting Tuscany – and especially Verrucole Fortress!