The Castello del Piagnaro is located on the hill overlooking the historic center of Pontremoli and is an integral element of the city’s defense system together with the walls and towers that defended the medieval village. Built around the year one thousand with defense and road control functions, it represented the last bulwark of defense for the citizens of Pontremoli on various occasions; its name derives from the “piagne”, sandstone slabs traditionally used in Lunigiana to make the roofs and still visible today inside the structure.

Used for a long time with a military function and as barracks, it was used as a school and later as a private residence; after a period of abandonment it has been completely recovered in the last 30 years thanks to numerous restoration campaigns. Over the centuries it was destroyed several times, but due to its strategic position it was always rebuilt. The current architectural complex is characterized by an imposing keep (early 15th century) which, located in the highest part of the relief, dominates the entire fortification and still shows traces of the ancient raised entrance with drawbridge. In front of the keep stands an imposing body of the building, used in the past as barracks. The remaining part of the Castle is characterized by 17th-18th century defensive structures, equipped for the use of artillery and firearms, with a large courtyard surrounded by mighty bastions equipped with connecting ramps and corner watchtowers. A Medici coat of arms is visible above the entrance portal, while inside the castle the large halls and courtyards have remained intact. In addition to the famous Museum of Lunigiana Stele Statues, the Castle houses a reception point for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena.