The Aquila Castle overlooks the medieval village of Gragnola from a great height (in the territory of Fivizzano, in the province of Massa Carrara, Lunigiana Tuscany, Italy, Europe). The origins of the fortified fiefdom on the hill are linked to the control of medieval convoys headed for Rome from Central Europe, passing by the crossroads of Gragnola. According to some historians, Gragnola could be Forum Clodi, a place mentioned in the most ancient "European Road Atlas" in memory, known as the Tabula Peutingeriana which dates back to the first centuries of the high middle ages. Historical studies state that 1366 was the year when the independent fiefdom was established, branching away from Fosdinovo and taking the name Aquila Castle (Aquila meaning Eagle).
Aquila Castle today
Two dynasties of marquis took the name from Aquila Castle, both originating from the Malaspina of Fosdinovo family branch: the first originated from Galeotto di Fosdinovo (1352-1367), who was succeeded by his son Leonardo I (1393 - 1403). This dynasty died out by the middle of the XV century. The second dynasty originated in Lazzaro, son of Antonio Alberico Marquis of Fosdinovo, whose descendents died out by the first half of the XVII century. Following its abandonment for the whole of the XX century, Aquila Castle today has been completely restored and brought back to its original ancient splendour following the wish of the current owner.
During the restoration works, on 19th February 2004 brought to light a tomb containing the intact skeleton of a Knight of the 1300’s killed by a crossbow arrow in the throat. The discovery was subject of a study carried out by the scientific world and the results have been published on the websites of a number of Universities and Legal Medicine Institutes. The Castle can be reached by passing through the ancient medieval village of Gragnola, the historical centre of which has mostly preserved houses and buildings with their characteristically rural appearance.
The climb to the castle from the medieval settlement of Gragnola-Plenilunio on Pizzo d’Ucello mountain
Just as the castle dominates from above the centre of Gragnola, it in turn is towered over by the overbearing mountaintops of the ancient Apuan Alps with its highest peak, the Pizzo D’Ucello, reaching up to the sky and, in a full moon it is seen from the tower of Aquila Castle and transmits to the watcher all the mysteries it suggests. The monument can be visited by booking via email or internet or by telephone contact with the management of Aquila Castle.
