Tuscany: Montecarlo, and its Fortress of Cerruglio

The Fortress of Montecarlo (Lucca, Tuscany)

Hello my friends!
Happy to find you again here in My Own Italy  to Discover Italy with My Personal Touch!
Today I suggest you a gem in Tuscany, in the middle of the way of Wine and Olive Oil: I'd like to introduce you to Montecarlo.

Montecarlo (Lucca, Tuscany)

Montecarlo is a small village located at 162 m above sea level, on a hill overlooking the surrounding plains, between Lucca and the Valdinievole.
 

Montecarlo was founded in 1333 by the future Emperor Charles IV of Bohemia, to which it owes its name (in latin: Mons Caroli).

Due to its extraordinary strategic importance, since its foundation, Monte Carlo was the scene of battles between Pisa, Florence and Lucca, for the domain of Valdinievole and Lucca.

Lucca authorities decided to move the town at the top of the hill on which stood the Fortress of Cerruglio.

Fortress of Montecarlo (Lucca, Italy)

The fort played a strategic role in the wars of the fourteenth century: the fortress was enlarged by Lucca themselves first and then by the Florentines, especially Grand-ducal government which, since 1437, had finally Montecarlo under its control!

Fortress of Montecarlo (Lucca, Italy)

In 1775 the fortress was broken up by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo and sold at auction. 


Since then  it became a private property; the fortified complex is covered by the owners of ongoing works of conservation and restoration.

The Garden inside the Montecarlo Fortress (LU)

The fortress is open to the public during the summer months, its renovated rooms and courtyards host exhibitions and cultural events.







If you would like to know something more, why don't you follow me on this interview?
Enjoy!


 

If you want to take your rest in this magic place, I suggest you to stay at Casa Fontanino : you'll find more information on my page Where To Sleep!

Ciao,
Carlotta!