Bolano dominates the confluence between the Magra and Vara rivers. Because of its strategic position, Bolano was always fought over by neighbouring towns; for many centuries, however, Bolano was under the dominating influence of the bishop of Luni.

Documents from X century speak about "curtis de Bajano" as of an important trading center and military base; in fact, under the rule of the Church, Bolano enjoyed a period of prosperity and relative autonomy, a destiny much different from the one of other towns in the Lunigiana. In 1273 Bolano took its shape and remained essentially unchanged up to now: triangular city walls were built, while the town resulted divided in three areas: the "borgo vecchio", the "borgo diritto" and the "poggio".

After being conquered by the Malaspina, Bolano knew a period of decadence; following a rebellion, the old castle was torn down. In XVI century this town became part of the "Repubblica Genovese" (Genoa Republic), which exploited Bolano's strategic position for trade and granted Bolano its original independence. From this period on, Bolano's history followed Genoa's; thus, Bonalno became part of the Regno di Sardegna in the second half of XIX century, and then joined the Regno d'Italia.