Guided tour of Bastia Castle, the panoramic terrace over Lunigiana
The Castle of Bastia in Licciana Nardi in Lunigiana will open to the public with special guided tours in 2025.
From the hill of Bastia, in the municipality of Licciana Nardi, the view extends from the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines to the entire middle valley of the Magra river, in Lunigiana. The Castle, owned by the Formentini family, will be open to the public from 2023 with exclusive appointments by reservation.
The guided tours last about an hour and take place on special dates from March to November. All visits are led by the guides of the Sigeric Community Cooperative – Tourism Services, experts in tourism in Lunigiana.
Please note – The castle can only be accessed via a staircase, flat shoes are recommended. Access is only with the guide.
The history of Bastia Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking the Taverone Valley, the Castle of Bastia is a medieval fortification in the Lunigiana region. The current structure dates back to the Renaissance, with a defence system suitable for the first firearms.
It belonged to the Malaspina dello Spino Secco family, ancient feudal lords of Lunigiana, and over the centuries has hosted many illustrious personalities including Angelica Malaspina, famous wife of Giulio De’ Medici, Annetta Malaspina, praised by the poets of Arcadia, and Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, Florentine mercenary captain!
The guided tour with the Sigeric Guides starts in the inner courtyard of the castle, on a journey from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era through the main rooms of the fortress. In its four circular towers and in the imposing central keep, the only survivor of the ancient fortress of Santa Caterina della Bastia, there are now dining and reception rooms, with ancient military uniforms and weapons, and a large tapestry dedicated to the Battle of Poitiers.
In the Taverone Valley, crossed by numerous historical paths such as the Via del Volto Santo and the Via dei Linari, which corresponds to the current route of the Lagastrello Pass, the Malaspina family built numerous fortifications, some of which can be visited today. Discover with our guides the Malaspina Castle of Monti, in the municipality of Licciana Nardi, open on special occasions and on the same dates as the Bastia Castle.
By visiting the Bastia Castle and the Malaspina Castle of Monti on the same day, you can discover the history, beauty and main monuments of the Taverone Valley.
Opening dates 2025
The guided tour of Bastia Castle will take place on the mornings of the dates indicated and booking is required (times will be communicated at the time of booking). On all dates, in the afternoon, it will also be possible to visit Malaspina Castle in Monti (booking necessary).
- March | 30
- April | 13 – 25 – 27
- May | 11 – 18
- June | 8 – 15
- September | 14 – 21
- October | 12 – 19
- November | 2 – 16
