Oramala and its mysteries
Oramala a mysterious name born from the union of two words such as “Aura” (wind) and Mala (evil). A bad wind that blows in the rocky promontory overlooking the Staffora in the municipality of Val di Nizza. Here stands the homonymous Castle of the Malaspina Family.
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The history of the lonely Castle
The Oramala Village, today considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, was the delightful castle of the Malaspina Family. This fortification is considered one of the few medieval remnants (without transformations of subsequent eras) that can be visited.
The Malaspina family had it built in the 11th century. Before returning to them, more precisely to Obizzo I in 1164 thanks to Federico Barbarossa, belonged to the Bishop of Tortona and subsequently to the Marquis d’Este.
The castle began its slow decline at the end of the eighteenth century when it was abandoned by the Marquis Oramala. In the 1985 the current owners, the Panigazzi brothers, purchased it and began the renovation.
Currently the castle is managed by the Spino Fiorito Cultural Association which allows guided tours inside with passion and dedication.
Its distinguished guests
The Castle, located on a spur of rock 700 meters high, had an important defensive function as well as commercial. This is due to the historic Via del Sale which passed through it adjacent and allowed the collection of taxes.
But also literature and culture have reached this solitary castle. Both for the numerous Provencal troubadours who found hospitality here, as well as an illustrious character such as Dante Alighieri.
“L’uno a Virgilio e l’altro a un si volse
che sedea lì, gridando: “Sù, Currado!
vieni a veder che Dio per grazia volse”
Quote one of the tercets of the 8th canto of the “Divina Commedia” where Dante, in Purgatory, meets Corrado Marquis Malaspina. It’s precisely this reference that leads one to think about the malevolent nature of the family.
Info Point
The castle can be visited by reservation through the Spino Fiorito Cultural Association.
The road to get to the castle is a highway, but it’s very winding. It’s not recommended for new drivers or beginners.
Price: € 5,70 €
(http://www.spinofiorito.com)
Sweet dreams: Flowers House is just 4 minutes from this wonderful Castle. This independent apartment guarantees a bucolic experience without sacrificing comfort. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, it guarantees all the essentials as well as Wi-Fi, heating and TV. (€ 43 per night).
Book here and get $ 37 off.
Delicious treats: Just 9 minutes by car there is the “Ristorante Al Casello”, a small place, but with a great soul. The seasonal menu is prepared with local and quality products. The Roman Pinsa and the numerous craft beers on offer are also excellent. Recommended to book. (Via Codevilla 1 in front of the ex Brasilia, Retorbido, Italy)
The place looks strange. But I am glad it is open to the public. I hope to see the place someday.
This is pretty cool and would probably be a memorable experience.
This is cool to see. I love learning about castles
That looks like an amazing place to visit. I love exploring old, history-filled places like that.
The Oramala Village looks like a great place to visit. I love hearing the history and mysteries behind places.
Thank you for sharing! Looks like a wonderful place. I am ready to travel but looks like it won’t be possible till this year end. But would love to make travel plans ahead of time.
Looks really curious and interesting. I am mentally ready for travel any time now but that said it is nor safe yet so I won’t be going anywhere yet. Hard to be patient though. This place looks like a cool spot to visit.
this looks like an amazing place to visit. all the history! and to think Dante visited makes it even more exciting.
Whoa! These types of places are always so interesting to me. Good read! Love the mystery.
I had always wanted to visit a castle. Imagine being in a 11th century building, it has to be an amazing experience. I am totally visiting this castle once I can travel again.
It looks like an interesting place to explore. I love the look of old castles. They’re pretty cool to photograph too.
This so makes me want to travel! Thank you for including the great photos it was almost like being there.
Historical or History , this is very interesting topic and full of mysterious story. We love to read your articles because we learned the traditional and modern variants of the hometown in Italy.
I would love to take an indoor tour of this castle. I would actually love to go on a months-long tour of all of the castles in Europe that I could get to!
I would really love to visit that place. It’s got the intriguing vibe about it.
Quarantine is still going strong here, they haven’t even opened the border between Canada and the US – we usually cross just to go shopping or go for dinner with it so close. That being said, I love reading about people’s travel adventures! This looks like such an interesting place to visit. I love the mysterious element to it. Thanks for sharing!
oh ITaly is full of so many fascinating ancient and old ruins with so much depth and intricate histories! I never visited Oramala, but now I want to! Need to look it up on a map and figure out another trip!
This looks like a beautiful place to visit. I’ve never heard of Oramala before but I’m very intrigued to see it for myself in person!
The name Oramala sounds a little intimidating. Old castles are always full of mystery. Once again I hope to travel.
Thanks for sharing, this is so interesting. Love those beautiful photos 🙂
Although it is a bit spooky, I hope I can visit Oramala Village! It’s very interesting place. Great photos!
What a beautiful fairytale building!
I love visiting places like this that draw you in, and gets you interested in the story 🙂
I need to visit here! This looks like a super spooky place to visit!
What a fairytale building. Would be awesome for making movies.
Ive been to Italy but this place never caught my eye. It sure has now!
What a wonderful experience! I wish I could go there someday.
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Lovely
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Such an intriguing historical place to visit. When I visit Italy again I surely visited this historic place.
This place looks SO cool! Would love to visit!
I’m just in love with Italy and ready to return there again and again, at least reading your blog about the trip. Thanks for sharing!