The Majestic Verrucole Castle
In the heart of the suggestive Garfagnana, just 3 kilometers from the picturesque town of San Romano, stands the majestic Verrucole Castle. This medieval site of extraordinary importance dominates the quiet village of Verrucole on a hill that rises to a height of 600 metres.
The history of the fortress
The history of the Verrucole Fortress is wrapped up in antiquity, founded by the noble Gherardinghi family on a pre-existing human settlement, its past dates back to between the 10th and 13th centuries. The Gherardinghi initially built a fortress and a public palace to watch over the territory. However, Lucca’s expansionist ambitions northward led to numerous conflicts in the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the most critical moments was at the end of the 12th century, when the Gherardinghi family joined the alliance between Pisa and the local lords of Garfagnana and Versilia against the republic of Lucca. In 1170, this alliance provoked a notable conflict which also included the siege of the “Verucola gherardenga”, the ancient name of the current Fortezza delle Verrucole. Over the following years, the lords of Verrucole managed to obtain promises of independence and autonomy, both from the Holy Roman Empire and from the Pope. These promises were formalized through the creation of a municipal statute in 1271.
In 1296, the Fortress passed under the control of Lucca, which handed it over to the Guidiccioni coterie. After the epic of the Lucchese leader Castruccio Castracani, the Fortress gradually lost its relevance as a Lucchese garrison. In 1328, Spinetta Malaspina, Ghibelline marquis and leader, took possession of it and governed it until 1345. From that moment on, the Fortezza delle Verrucole was largely abandoned until the arrival of the Este dynasty. In 1429, a part of the Garfagnana passed under the dominion of the d’Este family of Ferrara, giving rise to a new period of transformation for the Fortress. The current architectural features mainly date back to two Este eras: the period of the Marquis Leonello, around 1450, and that of Alfonso II, around 1564. During these periods, the Fortress underwent restoration and transformation, becoming a citadel made up of two strongholds, one square and one circular, each under the leadership of a distinctive castellan.
Between 1522 and 1525, the famous poet Ludovico Ariosto held the position of commissioner of the Garfagnana and dedicated himself to reorganizing the military garrisons, including Verrucole. In the second half of the 16th century, Duke Alfonso I d’Este called the architect Marc’Antonio Pasi to adapt the fortress to the new war requirements. In this period, significant changes were made to the polygonal fortress and ramparts. Towards the middle of the 18th century, the Fortezza lost its original function as a strategic-military fortress, but its structures continued to be maintained in excellent condition by the ducal engineers.
Between the end of the 18th century and the first years of the 19th century, during the period of French domination, the Fortezza delle Verrucole was auctioned, but no buyer came forward. In 1866, the entire complex was sold to private owners. Only in 1986, the Municipality of San Romano in Garfagnana acquired possession of it, starting an ambitious conservative and reconstructive restoration project which ended successfully in 2012. Since then, the Fortress has been open to the public thanks to the project “Fortezza Verrucole Archeopark ,” conceived and created by the STUDIUM 1984 APS association.
Architecture of the castle
The Fortezza delle Verrucole extends majestically, elegantly and imposingly in a north-east and south-west direction, on the hill overlooking the charming village of San Romano Garfagnana, at the entrance to the Orecchiella Natural Park. A visit to this fortress offers the opportunity to admire the remains of the polygonal keep, a surrounding wall perimeter, fragments of various structures, a gallery leading to the underground casemate, the imposing wall and two majestic bastions: one pointed and the other other circular shape. In correspondence with the lowest parts of the curtain wall, there are two semicircular towers and two gates, with the eastern one currently sealed.
The Archeopark that brings history back to life
The Verrucole Fortress, in addition to being an extraordinary architectural work, fascinates for its naturalistic context, inviting you to discover it in every season. This monument undoubtedly represents one of the jewels of the Garfagnana and of the surrounding military fortification system. Thanks to a long and successful process of conservative restoration and reconstruction, the Fortress has been brought back to life. However, to really bring it back to life, the intervention of knowledgeable interpreters is necessary, in order to prevent this structure from becoming a silent testimony of the past, as has happened to too many other historic homes, even if beautifully restored.
For this reason the “Archeopark Fortezza di Verrucole” project was conceived. This project involves the reconstruction of the rooms as they were in the 13th century, transforming the Fortress into a living museum. The spaces are set up with vegetable gardens and animals, carefully selected on the basis of historical and local characteristics. There are guides-entertainers who illustrate the history and life of the Fortress, demonstrations of traditional crafts, educational workshops and shows adapted to the context. In essence, “Archeopark Fortezza di Verrucole” adds inestimable value to the structure thanks to the richness of the human presence and the passion that flows into it.
Unique experiences with guided tours
Visitors have the opportunity to live a unique and personal experience within the walls of the Verrucole Fortress, interacting with the guides and the surrounding environment through real “interactive visits”. At any time of day you arrive at the Fortress, there is a guide in historical dress ready to accompany you on your visit. In addition to providing a historical overview, the guides explain the installations that have brought the rooms back to life as in the past. During the visit, visitors are always involved and have the opportunity to experience the tools and activities of the past.
Educational workshops for all ages
The Verrucole Fortress offers visitors the opportunity to participate in educational workshops on life in the Middle Ages. These workshops are suitable for both children and adults, exploring various issues related to the life of our ancestors and transforming a simple visit into an engaging and educational experience.
An opportunity for schools
The presence of the Archeopark inside the Fortezza delle Verrucole makes it an ideal educational environment for young people of school age, offering them the opportunity to immerse themselves in local history and rural traditions. The Fortress can serve as an educational destination for school trips or as a starting point for an educational itinerary divided into stages.
Opening time
- April: from Saturday 22nd to Tuesday 25th 10.30am – 6.00pm
- May: Saturday and Sunday 10.30am – 6.30pm
- June: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10.30am – 6.30pm
- July: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10.00 – 18.30
- August: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10.00 – 18.30
- September: until Sunday 10th, from Thursday to Sunday / From the 15th from Friday to Sunday 10.30 – 18.30
- October: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10.30am – 6.30pm
For extraordinary openings, consult the official Facebook page “Fortezza Verrucole Archeopark”.
Rates and Discounts
- Entrance with guided tour: €7
- Partial entry (without access to the museum): €4
- Children 0-5 years: free entry
- Children 6-18 years: €5
- Residents of the Municipality of San Romano: €1
Free: people with severe disabilities, authorized guides, companions for booked groups of children (up to 2 companions for every 15 people). For reduced and free rates, staff may request proof of identity.
The purchase of the ticket allows access to the entire structure, both internal and external spaces, and participation in the guided tours carried out from 10.30 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 18.00, with a lasting about an hour. Outside these hours, the internal keep of the Fortress cannot be visited, but the internal courtyard within the walls remains accessible. The last entry is allowed one hour before closing time.
Practical information
The educational workshops require advance booking (at least 48 hours in advance) and a minimum of 6 participants.
Photography is permitted only with prior permission from the staff.
The Fortress is also open in case of bad weather.
Dogs, if kept on a lead, are welcome.
The Fortezza delle Verrucole is equipped with a buvette with cafeteria, drinks and typical local products. For large groups or special needs, it is advisable to make a reservation.
How to Reach the Fortress
The Fortezza delle Verrucole is easily accessible both by car and by bus, including the 12-metre coaches. At the foot of the Fortress, there is a large dirt parking lot from which you can continue on foot.
For those with walking difficulties or unable to walk, it is possible to arrange a transport service with a rack and pinion vehicle with at least 48 hours notice. The Fortress can also be reached by train, followed by a private mini-bus (recommended for small groups) or on foot, perhaps accompanied by an environmental guide. The recommended stations are Villetta, Camporgiano and Piazza al Serchio.
The fortress can be reached on foot from the hamlet of Verrucole, following a path that winds along the slopes of the hill. During the visit, it is possible to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Garfagnana valley and the majestic Apuan Alps.
Official website: fortezzaverrucolearcheopark.it.
