The Palazzo Ducale is considered the most important monument in Massa for its dimensions and richness. This "u"-shaped building lies from Piazza Aranci to Piazza Mercurio.

Its original nucleus rose at the beginning of the XVI century and became the residence of the Cybo-Malaspina at the time of Alberico I. According to the decision made by the ruler of Massa, he was willing to make a prestigious palace of it that could compete with the most prestigious Italian and European principalities in beauty and elegance. In effect, until then, the dukes of Massa lived in the more ancient Castello Malaspina with medieval remains that did not suit the taste of the time. The part of the palace completed under Alberico I goes from the upper corner until the ninth window of the main facade.
The Duke's successors achieved the following enlargements that explain the asymmetry of the façade. Charles I completed most of the palace, from the Salone degli Svizzeri to the Cappella Ducale. Such changes also caused the shift of the entrance door and the construction of a wonderful terrace above it decorated with friezes and marble statues. Charles I's wife transformed the building into one of the most important places for sumptuous parties in the area.
Charles I's heir, Alberico II, began more works and built the third wing and closed the courtyard with a lodge. In the first years of the XVIII century, the Palazzo Ducale took its definitive appearance thanks to further works at the request of Charles III's wife, Teresa Pamphili. Alessandro Bergamini, who was member of the famous family of architects who worked in this castle for two centuries, was appointed to carry out the works. The Bergamini performed the rearrangement of the façade, the new appearance of the courtyard in a Renaissance style and the realization of the lodge on the first floor. The "Grottesco" was also due to Teresa and it is to be found in the background of the main entrance as well as in the decorations of many other rooms.
Once, this palace had a wonderful gallery of paintings created by the most important Tuscan artists (Leonardo, Raffaello, Tiziano, Giorgione and Guercino). Nevertheless, the ineffective management of the patrimony belonging to the Duke Alderano and the pillage performed by the Napoleonic army deprived the palace of most of its wealth. Yet, both the frescoes by Stefano Lemmi that decorate the rooms and those in the "Salone degli Svizzeri" that have been skilfully restored in the last years, can be admired. The alcove of the Duke Charles II, built by Alessandro Bergamini between 1695 and 1696, is still visible, too.