The chief village of the Malaspina fiefdom of the Spino Fiorito
The village of Filattiera originated from an early Byzantine fortification built during the wars against the Lombards. In fact, its name derives from the Greek term used by the Byzantines to refer to watchtowers, which were essential for guarding and blocking strategic points.
Filattiera is characterized by a variety of defensive structures left behind by the different civilizations that ruled over it: from the Apuan Ligurians to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Lombards, from the Malaspina family to the Medici and finally the Duchy of Parma.
Evidence of very ancient settlements is confirmed by the seven Stele Statues found in the area around the Parish Church of Santo Stefano di Sorano, along with numerous artifacts dating back to the Iron Age. In 1921, two ‘casetta’ tombs, typical funerary structures of the Apuan Ligurian populations, were discovered near the train station.
From the Roman period, we know that the settlement was located in the valley floor and the construction of the Via Aemilia Scauri in 109 BC, which connected the Roman port of Luni with the Po Valley, contributed to the development of the area.
Later, the Roman road became known as the Strada della Cisa, which was used by pilgrims during the Middle Ages. The Parish Church of Sorano dates back to the period of the Lombard conquest.
It was only during the early Middle Ages that the ancient Castle of San Giorgio was built on the hilltop, where the old village now stands, of which only a tower and a church remain today.
The village as we know it today developed between the 10th and 11th centuries. The Malaspina family began their rule in the 12th century. In 1221, following the division of the fiefdom between Obizzino and Corrado Malaspina, the former inherited the territories to the left of the Magra River (with the exception of Villafranca), making Filattiera the capital of the Malaspina fiefdom of the Spino Fiorito.
With the arrival of Napoleon, the decline of the Malaspina fiefdoms began, and in 1847 Filattiera became part of the Duchy of Parma.
Today, Filattiera is characterized by its medieval village still inhabited and home to some local businesses and the lower part of the town, where most of the residents and commercial activities are located.
The village of Filattiera remains one of the best-preserved in the Lunigiana region, with its school and stone hamlets, where a walk through its streets will take you back in time.
How to Reach the Village of Filattiera
From Pontremoli or Villafranca, follow the signs along the provincial road. Once you enter Filattiera, leave the provincial road and take the exit that leads up toward the medieval village, marked as ‘centro’.
At the end of the road, you will arrive in front of the castle. Park there and walk up the road for about 50 meters to reach the square in the medieval village.
Nearby you can find
Filattiera Castle, chiesa di San Giorgio, Pieve di Santo Stefano di Sorano, third stage of Via Francigena in Lunigiana, Filattiera Route – Ciclovia dei Castelli, the Village of Ponticello, Pozze della Rocca Sigillina, The Ancient Mill of Rocca Sigillina, Prati di Logarghena, Lago Alice, Monia Waterfall, Monte Bosta, Lago degli Asinelli.
