Lari castle repeatedly came under siege during the whole of the 15th century due to the on going attempt by the Republic of Pisa to gain independence from the Florentines.

First recorded in the 11th century and sitting quietly in the Pisan hills, Lari Castle played a major part in the numerous battles between Pisa and Lucca during the medieval period.

The castle became the property of the Archbishops of Pisa during the 12th century and by 1230 the Upezzinghi family who originated from Pisa used Lari as their home.

From 1289, Lari Castle became an important border fortress for the Republic of Pisa being besieged numerous times by the armies of the Republic of Florence. Lari finally succumbed to the constant barrages when in 1406 the armies of Florence finally won their battle with the Republic of Pisa . Lari fell into the Florentine hands. The castle became the new home of the Florentine governors and members of the aristocracy .

Subsequent centuries saw the castle being turned into a most splendid and luxurious residence suitable for the Kings of Tuscany.

Lari castle repeatedly came under siege during the whole of the 15th century due to the on going attempt by the Republic of Pisa to gain independence from the Florentines. Each attempt failed and Lari acquired the unenviable tag of being invincible.

The town finally came under the control of the Republic of Florence in the 16th century. They immediately took steps to fortify and redecorate the castle. This restoration work was carried out by Francesco da San Gallo in 1530 and in 1559 by David Fortini. Numerous frescos decorated the inner walls of the castle.

In 1848 the post of Governor was abolished and replaced by that of praetor and up until 1962 was used as a prison and court and sustained heavy damage during the allied and German bombardments during WWII.




  

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