Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo (Historical Residences) Fosdinovo

Those lucky enough to spend their Tuscan holiday in Malaspina Castle can expect to enjoy a once-in-.a-lifetime experience. A medieval fortress, stronghold, and Renaissance court, Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo was constructed in the second half of the 12th century and, from 1340 onwards, under the ownership of the Malaspina family, formed the center of the feudal estate of Fosdinovo.

Today Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo, is still owned by the Malaspina family, and has been transformed into an exclusive period residence, in which to enjoy the finest hospitality, surrounded by centuries of history and art. Luxurious guest accommodation is available in the South Wing and the "Camere dei Marchesi", in wonderfully spacious rooms, adorned with precious period furnishings and antiques.

The Camera delle Bifore, the largest of the castle's bedrooms, owes its name to the particular form of windows, called "bifore". It was here that the citizens of Fosdinovo attended the public birth of the heir of the Marquise, Maria Cristina Pallavicini. The Camera Tonda, the master bedroom where the Marquise slept, opens out on to a charming roof garden. The Camera Gialla, Camera dei Pappagalli and Camera dei Santi all have marvelous views, stretching from the old medieval village of Fosdinovo as far as Porto Venere and the Gulf of Spezia.

Whilst staying in this splendid period residence, guests can to tour the castle's beautifully furnished rooms and visit the dining room, with its collection of 17th century pharmacy ceramics, the throne hall, and the stanza del trabocchetto (the trap room). The grounds of the castle add yet further to Malaspina's appeal, and guests may well spend much of the day relaxing in the wonderfully peaceful and incredibly panoramic hanging gardens. Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo is the seat of the "Spino Bianco" cultural association, which hosts concerts, workshops, literary prizes, and exhibitions of international standing in the castle.

Three good reasons

1. A vacation spent in the Castle of the noble.
2. The beautifully conserved medieval and Renaissance architecture
3. The romantic hanging gardens