The village that became, in the 10th century, the seat, archive, library, and treasury of the Bishops-Counts of Luni
The village of Ponzanello is located in the municipality of Fosdinovo, on the road connecting the town center to the municipality of Aulla. The main feature of the medieval village is its distinctive shape: a triple concentric and fortified layout. It likely had these architectural features since its inception. It is first mentioned in 963 AD.
Throughout the 10th century, numerous documents mention the village of Ponzanello as a territory under the control of the Bishops of Luni, to whom it has been subject since 1158. The already existing castle soon became the seat and treasury of the Bishops-Counts of Luni, who found a strategically perfect location between Luni and Aulla in the mountains for controlling the territory.
In 1185, a document from Frederick Barbarossa first mentions the Castle of Ponzanello, confirming to the then Bishop of Luni the numerous possessions, including the castle itself.
Ponzanello came under the control of the Malaspina family only in 1481, with the granting of jurisdiction over the entire territory by the Municipality of Florence to Marquis Gabriele II Malaspina of Fosdinovo. From this moment on, the history of Ponzanello would remain, until the Napoleonic era, linked to that of Fosdinovo.
In 1666, Marquis Pasquale Malaspina obtained from Emperor Leopold the right to mint coins and decided to build two mints: one in the capital, Fosdinovo and another in Ponzanello.
How to Reach the Village of Ponzanello
From Aulla, follow the signs toward Pallerone on State Road 63. After about 3.6 kilometers, at the Gorasco Junction (before reaching Pallerone), turn right following the signs for Ponzanello/Fosdinovo. Follow the signs indicating Ponzanello on Provincial Road 57 for about 8.2 kilometers.
Nearby you can find
Chiesa di San Remigio, Borgo di Fosdinovo, Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo, Museo Archivi della Resistenza, The Village of Bibola, Saint Caprasio Abbey Museum, Lunigiana Natural History Museum at The Brunella Fortress, Pallerone Castle.
