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The Fortress of Sarzanello

The Fortress of Sarzanello, together with the Cittadella, is the larger of the castles of Sarzana. The “Fortezza” dominates Sarzana and the Magra river valley from its position on Sarzanello hill. It became of fundamental strategic importance in the history of the city during the War of Serrezzana.


Historical signs:
The existence of a castrum (fort) on the heights to the east of Sarzana is recorded as long ago as 1076. Between 1314 and 1328 Castruccio degli Antelminelli, called Castruccio Castracani (Lucca 1281-1328), was elected captain and defender of the city by the people of Lucca on June 12th, 1316. Once the dominion of Lucca was assured the peace of Naples between the Tuscan Guelfi and Ghibellini was concluded. Installed in the episcopal castle of Sarzanello (May 12th, 1317) he governed as imperial vicar over Sarzana and all of the Luni diocese until 1320. He made several modifications to the castle’s defence structures, but the most important works were carried out in the XV century, above all on the orders of Tomaso Campofregoso. In the first years of the XVI century the complex reached completion and was not subjected to further modification other than some adaptations of little importance made by the the Francesi in the XVIII century. The fortress was completely restored after Liguria was annexed to the realm of Sardinia.

Environment:
It stands on the Sarzanello hill which towers over the eastern side of the old city, and the Cittadella. It is situated a certain distance from the dwellings on Sarzanello and this sense of isolation enriches the environmental interest. Note the ancient road paved with flags which leads, as then, to the entrance of the fortress, reachable across the long bridge, now in masonry-work but once it was a drawbridge, which cross the defensive ditch to the main building. From the castle there is a full and evocative panorama over the Magra valley and, in addition to looking down on the Cittadella of Sarzana, the fortresses of Castelnuovo and Ameglia can be seen.

Access road:
From the junction of the bypass road for Pisa and Massa, at the crossroads with Viale Mazzini, the road to the centre of Sarzana, turn left and after 100 metres turn right into Via Fortezza, and climb half way up the incline or, after turning left, head straight for 400 metres, then go right into Via S. Francesco for 100 metres as far as Via Fratta that, on the right, goes to the Fortezza. Five minutes by car from the centre of Sarzana. There is also an access along a pedestrian path called "Montata di Sarzanello", recommended to tourists due to the evocative panorama to be admired along the way.

The Cittadella (Fortress of Firmafede)

The Fortress of Sarzanello

Walls and Donjons