How to reach
From Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, take the SP43 towards Gallicano and, following the signs for Palleroso, continue uphill towards the village along the local road for approximately 6 km.
Once you reach the village, you can leave your car in the available parking areas at the entrance to the village and continue on foot to explore the village and the remains of its ancient fortifications. The medieval tower is located at the highest point of Palleroso and can be easily reached on foot from the centre of the village.
History
Palleroso is a small village in the Garfagnana, within the municipality of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, perched on the slopes overlooking the Serchio Valley. The village still preserves traces of its fortified past, including the remains of a distinctive massive medieval circular tower, built with large stone blocks that are still visible in the ruins. Its simple construction, with virtually no decorative elements, reflects the primarily defensive purpose of the structure.
It is considered a rather unusual structure among the fortifications of the Garfagnana, precisely because of its cylindrical shape. Its original function, however, is not certain. Some interpretations suggest that it may have been a keep, the main defensive element of the castle, or alternatively a watchtower, used to monitor the surrounding territory and communicate visually with other fortifications. The latter interpretation is considered the most plausible.
The tower stands at the highest point of the village and, thanks to its commanding position, offers extensive views over the valley and the surrounding mountains. It was certainly part of the village's defensive system.
In the Middle Ages, Palleroso was a small fortified settlement and still preserves sections of its ancient defensive walls and a gateway into the village, although its present appearance dates back to 1610.
Over the centuries, Palleroso came under the control of several powers, including Lucca, Florence and the Este family. In 1603, the village was looted and set on fire by Lucchese troops, an episode that contributed to the loss of many of its oldest structures.
The Tower Today
Today, only scant ruins of the original tower survive, now incorporated into the fabric of the village. A large cross, placed there by the inhabitants of Palleroso after the Second World War, stands on top of the remains.
Together with the surviving traces of the ancient walls and the village's remarkable position, the tower still conveys the fortified character of historic Palleroso and offers an interesting viewpoint over the landscape of the Serchio Valley.