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Founded in the High Middle Ages, Castiglione acquired the designation “del Terziere” in 1275, indicating its belonging to the “third part” of the fiefs of Alberto Malaspina of Filattiera, a member of the Spino Fiorito branch. The Malaspina, illustrious and influential Italian feudal lords, were divided into two distinct branches, each represented by a heraldic symbol: one with a blooming thorn (Spino Fiorito) and the other with a withered thorn (Spino Secco). Before 1275, the village was known as Castiglione dei Corbellari, named after a family that held the fief on behalf of the Este family, predecessors of the Malaspina in ruling Lunigiana. In 1350, Castiglione del Terziere rose to the status of a sovereign state, becoming an independent Imperial Fief under the marquisate of Franceschino Malaspina, known as "il Soldato" (the Soldier), a prominent figure who held prestigious roles such as Captain of War of the Florentine Army, Podestà of Milan, and Viscount of Luni. In 1451, the village was incorporated into the Florentine Republic, becoming an administrative and judicial centre for Florentine Lunigiana. Its jurisdictional territory, originally extensive, expanded further south to include the castles of Caprigliola, Albiano, and Stadano, eastwards to the Apuan Alps, northwards to the Apennines, and westwards to encompass the grand ducal fief of Groppoli. The decline of Castiglione del Terziere began in the mid-18th century when the seat of Florentine governance (the Captain of Justice and his Court) was transferred to Bagnone.

Today, Castiglione del Terziere is a small village in Lunigiana, nestled on a hillside to the left of the Magra River, within the Municipality of Bagnone, in the Province of Massa Carrara. A small yet illustrious village, whose present is imbued with awareness of its heritage. Against the azure backdrop, the grand chain of the Apennines (Mount Orsaro), the "Panie" (Apuan Alps), and Mount Corneviglio rise majestically. Below, in the lushest greenery, lies Vallescura—a site of paleontological significance, where three million years ago, mastodons, deer, and other fossils once roamed. The area also hosts an ancient brick kiln, a relic of industrial archaeology, traversed lengthwise by the "Roman road."

For over thirty years, Castiglione del Terziere has served as the spiritual and physical custodian of Lunigiana’s historical memory—its castle. Carefully restored, the castle preserves, displays, and narrates everything that has been collected and saved regarding the history and identity of Historic Lunigiana, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

The castle has been active since 1973 “Nicolò V” Center for Humanistic Studies, equipped with an extraordinary library, a constant destination for Italian and foreign scholars and students, and the Free Chair of Philology and Vocal Polyphony. Both the "Nicolò V" Center for Humanistic Studies and the Free Chair of Philology and Vocal Polyphony are known for their contributions in many cities in Italy, Europe, and America (North and South).

“ … I want to recreate a place of memory where I can bring back the memories of my people and my land. Because remembering is an act of civilization. Because remembering comes from cor-cordis: the ancients thought that memory was in the heart ... Guardian of the memories of this strip of land dried up by centuries of emigration ..." was Loris Jacopo Bononi, doctor and poet - writer, author of numerous books, extraordinary figure of humanist ... Dominus in love of his creature, Bononi welcomed the pilgrim into the museum - fortress with the same tender enthusiasm of an adolescent with his first love "

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