The ancient fortress dates back to the year 723 A.D. and is open to visitors. The walls of Castiglione were built in the fourteenth century but have undergone a full restoration. Garfagnana is rich in history and tradition and is located in the northern part of Tuscany close to the enchanting towns of Lucca and Pisa.
The town lies on a hill, from which it dominates the valley set between the Appennines and the more imposing Alpi Apuane (Apuans Alps). In the high part of the village, the imposing fortress rises on a rocky spur. It is a defensive structure with an irregular perimeter and three towers on a semi-circular plan. Near the entrance are the remains of a square tower that was the defence for the entrance. The height of the walls varies between 11 - 17 meters according to the gradient of the land. From the fortress there is a wonderful view of the surrounding valley.
Inside the fortress there have been modifications because of the change from a fortified town to a residential village. It began as an ancient “castrum” built by the Romans, located in a strategic position in the valley that, in Roman times, was crossed by an important road between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Due to its strategic position it had a stormy past and it suffered many sieges. The first one, by Lucca, in 1170 caused a lot of damage. The surrender to Lucca led to the reconstruction and the elevation to the Center of Vicaria. But fights and onerous taxes caused new wars. In 1227 it was besieged and suffered more destruction at the hands of Lucca’s soldiers. The Peace Treaty of 1371 delivered the fortress permanently to Lucca which installed a permanent commissioner and the town walls were reinforced (the walls that can still be seen today).
The village, which is now an
important summer resort, is in a splendid position and has a particularly
charming atmosphere. In fact the centre of the little town lies inside the
fortified ring of walls built by the Lucchesi. Castiglione developed around the
fortress and for protection it was surrounded by walls and towers. The walls
extend for 750 metres and were equipped with loop holes and a watch walk. On
two of the towers we find the bell towers of the principal churches – St.
Pietro and of course St. Michele, the most important monument in Castiglione dating
back to the XV century. Its unfinished facade is decorated with little arches and columns and a porch from the XVIII century.
Inside there are remarkable works
of art: a canvas representing the Virgin with child painted by Giuliano di
Simone in 1389, a black wooden Crucifix dating back to the XV century, a fine
marble tabernacle for the Holy Oils of the XVI century and in the vestry, a
beautiful silver thurible, made in the XV century representing a medieval
castle. Today one can enter the town through three
doors, but in the past there was only one access with a drawbridge because
around the walls there was a deep moat. The other two doors were created in the
XVIII century to make entry to the village easier. The fortified complex of
Castiglione could be considered one of the most important examples of a “living
Castle”.
Accommodation – Toscana - We recommend
Casale Le Selve is located near the medieval town of Castiglione di Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca. It is entirely made of stone and dates back to the late 1700s - the date being obtained from an estimate made by the Church. To the South and West of the Farmhouse there is a spacious garden with a comfortable gazebo and a stone barbecue.
Entering the Farmhouse there is a large living room with a mosaic stone floor and an oak beamed ceiling. The room has large comfortable sofas and satellite TV. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen with a full size cooker and fan forced oven. It is complete with all the necessary appliances. There is also a table which comfortably sits 7 people. There is a small storeroom, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi shower and at the rear, a laundry.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms with parquet flooring. One bedroom is larger with a double cast iron bed and can if necessary accommodate an additional single bed or a baby's cot. The second bedroom also has a double bed and the last bedroom contains two single beds. On the same floor there is a large bathroom tiled in baroque style, with a corner bath tub.
By the side of the house stone steps lead to the terraced swimming pool. There are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. All in all a very comfortable, well-appointed home away from home!
55033 Castiglione Garfagnana,
Lucca, Toscana. Italia
T: + 39 0583 689963; E: info@casaleleselve.it
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