Brunella Fortress

Brunella Fortress in Aulla is a military fortification built during the Renaissance period to defend Lunigiana area.

A Renaissance imposing stronghold near the confluence of the River Magra and the Aulella stream, it dominates Aulla historic centre and houses the Museum of Natural History of Lunigiana.

It is in a dominant position, on a high rocky spur, once it controlled all the main roads and Apennine passes. Its origins are still mysterious: among its clients there are famous people of the time, as Adamo Centurione and Giovanni dale Bande Nere. At the beginning of 20th century, the Fortress was restored by the English family Waterfield and it became a luxurious residence. In 1977 it was bought by the Italian government and it became the seat of Natural History Museum of Lunigiana.

The Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum of Lunigiana is in the Fortress, there are four exhibition rooms about naturalistic aspects of Magra river basin;  valley floor, hilly, mountain and sub-mountain landscape.

A guided tour with information panels and findings allows to know a land which is rich in biodiversity.

Openings calendar 2023

January: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 – 2 to 4:30 p.m.

February: Sunday, Feb. 12 – from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

March: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays – 2 to 4:30 p.m.

April-May: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays – 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

June: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays – in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

July: Monday through Friday – in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays – in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

August: daily – in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

September: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays – in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

October: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in the afternoon – from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

November: Sunday 1 and Sunday 18 – from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

December: 2023: Sundays and public holidays – 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Information

  • Visit procedure: access to the Castle is via guided tours that take place every 45 minutes from opening hours. Reservations are not necessary
    Fees: 6 € adults / 3 € reduced (over 65, under 18, students or groups over 15) / free for children up to 5 years old, residents of the Municipality of Aulla, tour guides, disabled people and their companions.
    Cost includes access to the castle with guided tour
  • Meeting point: at the entrance of the Castle, Municipality of Aulla (MS)
  • The castle is Pet Friendly

It is possible to arrange the tour upon  request for individuals, families or small groups.