Falcinello: Castle Tower, Church and Via Francigena

Falcinello can be explored through two distinct themes: the history of the fortified village and its connection to the upper Via Francigena. The castle tower, former castle chapel and Castello della Brina represent different historical aspects; information about the starting point and trail markers also helps orient you along the route. If you are planning a culturally themed stay, you can distinguish between local history, the archaeological site and the route, rather than reading the information as a single list of sights.

Fortified village and surviving architectural history

In 1185, Emperor Frederick I confirmed Falcinello to Pietro, Bishop of Luni, as a “castrum,” or fortified village. The term classifies the place as a fortified settlement and focuses attention on Falcinello as a whole, not just on a single tower. This designation in medieval records differs from an examination of individual surviving structures. The written record also gives the place particular prominence: in the documents of the Codice Pelavicino, Falcinello is one of the most frequently mentioned castles.

The surviving castle tower has been part of the bell tower since 1300. This reveals another layer of history: while “castrum” describes Falcinello as a fortified village in 1185, the later date refers to the incorporation of the surviving tower into the bell tower. The two dates describe different aspects of the town’s history.

The parish church of Santi Fabiano e Sebastiano stands on the site of the ancient castle chapel. The former castle chapel was converted and adapted into a parish church in the 17th century. Here, the location and a dated change of use come together: the church occupies the site of the older chapel, while its conversion describes the development that took place in the 17th century. Falcinello’s patroness is the Madonna del Rosario; her feast day is the first Sunday in October.

Castello della Brina and the upper Via Francigena

Castello della Brina is a fortified settlement in the hamlet of Torraccio, on a secondary ridge between Falcinello and Ponzano Superiore. The archaeological site lies along the upper route of the Via Francigena, which connects Aulla with the Luni plain. This information answers different questions: the description of its location places the settlement between two named places; the route information describes its position along the upper Via Francigena. The ruins can be reached via easy gravel paths through olive groves. For visitors, the route description gives a concrete sense of the terrain, while the term “fortified settlement” establishes the site’s historical character.

The upper variant begins at the bridge over the Amola stream in Ghiaia di Falcinello. It is marked with the letters VF and the traditional white-and-red CAI trail symbol. The starting point indicates where the variant begins; the two types of trail marker provide additional guidance along the way. Check trail conditions and markers on site, as conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Sorbolo, Pegui, Mattarana, Bracelli, Biassa, Piano di Follo.

For the broader travel overview: La Spezia.