루니지아나의 빌라프랑카‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪16‬개의 동굴

Aula is a fundamental hub of the Via Francigena, it was tormented by the bombings of the Second World War, causing the almost total destruction of its historic center, of which very few vestiges remain. It is located a few kilometers from the border with Liguria, on a narrow strip of land at the confluence of the Magra river and the Aulella stream, a decisive place for the civil and religious life of the entire area before the year 1000. Aulla in that period was already a small village and its importance was linked precisely to its central position along the Via Francigena, both as a pilgrimage road and as a commercial artery. The center of the town had an important role in defending the roads that led from the Lucca area and Liguria towards the Cisa Pass.

The Brunella Fortress owes its name to the hill on which it was built in the mid-16th century. The fort is a typical example of Renaissance military architecture, designed to defend against firearm attacks. It is an almost square construction with large polygonal struts. What is certain is that the complex represents the most powerful military work in Lunigiana and its strategic position allowed it, in the past, to control all the main routes in the area and the arrivals from the Apennine passes.

Medieval Castle of 1351. The fortification, which controlled the most important communication routes coming from the Apennines, Cisa and Garfagnana, developed in the 14th century (but its origins are probably older) and on its tower, 25 meters high and crowned by a corbeled patrol embossment, the flag of the Malaspina marquises flew until the 17th century. In addition to performing defensive functions, the castle became a noble residence in 1641, when the central body was transformed into a palace, incorporating the round tower. Despite this, the appearance of Malgrate is that of a classic medieval fortress: the main body is made up of the keep, located on the short side of the rectangular feudal palace and surrounded by walls, equipped with Guelph battlements, slopes and a patrol walkway that seems to date back to the 14th century.

The Piagnaro Castle is a fortress built in a strategic point to protect the Apennine passes and around which the first medieval nucleus was formed, built around the year 1000. For centuries it has been an integral part of the city's defensive system. In its thousand-year history it has undergone numerous destructions and subsequent reconstructions that have brought it to its current appearance. The Castle maintained its military function until the end of the 18th century. Its name derives from the so-called piagne, the gray sandstone slabs used in Lunigiana to cover the roofs of buildings, including that of the castle.

The hike up to the castle is worth it. Great views!

Campanone is a term used in Pontremoli to refer to a medieval tower, the only remaining part of a medieval fortress called Fortezza di Cazzaguerra. The tower was built in 1322. Its purpose was to keep the Guelph and Ghibelline factions of the city separated. The central tower was equipped from the beginning with a bell to warn the citizens of possible dangers. Only later was the tower raised and the actual bell tower built.

The Lunigiana stele statues on display are worth seeing. I found it quite interesting. From the top you have a beautiful view of the city

The castle and the village are one of the most interesting examples of the fusion of civil and military medieval architecture. The oldest part of the structure dates from the mid-fourteenth century, when Lusuolo was an independent feudal kingdom. In 1450 the castle fell into the hands of the Genoese, who partially demolished it. Today, the Castle of Lusuolo houses the Museum of the Emigration of the People of Tuscany.