The castle of Verrucola de' Bosi and the houses that surround it, the borgo, makes up a rather charming hill town in the Lunigiana. Just a bit of highway SS63 separates it from Fivizzano--it's actually a district of that city. It's presence was first documented in 1044.

On a poll I sponsored once, Verrucola was voted the prettiest hill town by in Italy.

Artist Pietro Cascella lived in the castle prior to his death, and the fountain you see as you enter the borgo is his. The restorations given the castle while Cascella lived there helped the castle become one of the best preserved in the territory. The castle is still privately owned, and getting inside it isn't easy. You can try ringing the bell or calling the owner at +39 366 3832098.

Otherwise, just take a stroll around the borgo. It's a stunningly well-preserved village.

If you are coming from Fivizzano, you'll pass the hospital and see the castle on your left. Slow down and enter the little parking lot on the right at the turn. You can't drive in the borgo.