Nozzano Castle

The Castello di Nozzano is one of the castles renowned for defending south-western Lucchese territory against Pisan threats. The fortress, dating from the 1200s, later sheltered Guelphs expelled from various Tuscan cities following the Battle of Montaperti. Demolished in 1374 and rebuilt during Castruccio Castracani’s rule, it served throughout the republic’s era as a lookout post for ships travelling up the Serchio river.

Perched atop a rocky outcrop on the right bank of the Serchio river stands the fortified settlement of Nozzano, its crenellated keep and towers still visible today. The castle was one of the most heavily fortified and celebrated outposts built to protect Lucchese territory along its south-western border with Pisan lands. Directly across the river, just hundreds of metres away, rises the corresponding Pisan fortification: the Rocca di Ripafratta with its observation towers.

The fortress, comprising an elliptical circuit of walls defending the small fortified settlement, featured towers on the side facing the Pisan ‘enemy’ and a single gateway on the Lucca-facing side. At its centre stood a semi-triangular structure with tall crenellated walls and two towers—one taller and square, the other spur-shaped like those of the perimeter wall—serving as the keep. It was built in stages throughout the 1200s.

After the Battle of Montaperti (1260), it became famous for sheltering Guelphs expelled from various Tuscan cities. Repeatedly attacked and destroyed by Pisan forces, it was always rebuilt, most recently in 1395 with the addition of a semi-bastion to defend the gateway.

The stronghold remained in use until the late 1500s for monitoring ships travelling up the Serchio towards Lucca. Once its military and strategic importance waned, Nozzano became home to one of Italy’s earliest printing presses. Today the complex is well preserved but accessible only from the outside.