The history of the Malaspina family is a fascinating tale of power, rivalry, and splendor that spans over nine centuries. Originating from the region of Lunigiana, between Tuscany and Liguria, the family has left an indelible mark on the history of medieval Italy.
The Malaspina family traces its roots back to the 11th century. The progenitor of this noble family was Obizzo Malaspina, who distinguished himself for his political and military skills in governing the surrounding territory. Over time, their dominion was expanded over numerous lands and castles, creating a powerful lordship that extended from Lunigiana to Liguria and northern Tuscany.
The history of the Malaspina family is marked by an internal division into two branches known as the "Spino Secco" and the "Spino Fiorito".
Their extensive territory gradually diminished and was divided, both due to the adoption of Lombard law, which involved the partition of assets among all male offspring, and due to the pressure from neighboring emerging municipalities (Genoa, Piacenza, Tortona, and Pavia). By 1220, only Corrado and Opizzino Malaspina remained to dispute the inheritance of the fiefs. They were confirmed by the emperor in their lands, but in 1221 they divided their lordships: Corrado received Lunigiana to the west of the Magra River, giving rise to the Spino Secco branch; Opizzino received Lunigiana to the east of the Magra River, giving rise to the Spino Fiorito branch.
The Spino Secco branch had its main stronghold in the castle of Mulazzo and ruled over cities such as Pontremoli, Massa, Carrara, and Sarzana. The Spino Fiorito branch had its power center in the castle of Fosdinovo and ruled over cities such as Aulla and Fivizzano.
The Malaspina family distinguished themselves through the construction and possession of numerous castles and fortified villages, which still bear witness to their grandeur today. In addition to Mulazzo and Fosdinovo, they held dominion over Castel dell'Aquila, Castelnuovo Magra, Malgrate, Villafranca, Bastia, Comano, Lusuolo, Castevoli, Tresana, Treschietto, Monti, Verrucola dei Bosi, Castiglione del Terziere, and many others. These strongholds not only served as noble residences but also as fortresses, bearing witness to the power and influence of the Malaspina family.
The history of the Malaspina family is marked by significant events. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the family reached the pinnacle of power and prestige. Through strategic alliances and political influence, they amassed wealth and became patrons of the arts, promoting culture and literature.
The Malaspina family clashed with the Catholic Church in the 13th century due to tensions between secular and ecclesiastical institutions of the time. They opposed the temporal power of the Papacy and defended their territorial autonomy, openly challenging the authority of Rome. The conflict reached its peak when Pope Gregory IX issued a papal bull in 1233 condemning and excommunicating the Malaspina family. This had negative consequences for the family, as excommunication brought political isolation and hostility from local ecclesiastical forces. Despite this, the Malaspina managed to maintain their noble status and control over their lands for several more centuries. Over time, the conflict subsided, but the family had already gradually lost the power and influence they once held, partly due to internal struggles for control among various branches of the family, along with broader political and social changes that led to the fragmentation of their lands.
As centuries passed, the Malaspina family dwindled to become an aristocratic family like many others. Nevertheless, their name and history remain a symbol of nobility, pride, and a reminder of their past glories in the Lunigiana region. Today, descendants of the Malaspina family still live in the region, keeping alive the memory of their ancient lineage. Many of their castles still stand today. Some have been restored and opened to the public, allowing visitors to admire their grandeur and magnificence.