Villafranca developed in the XI century around the Cappella di San Niccolò, along the medieval via Romea. In the Middle Ages it was part of the Malaspina dominions. Given its strategic position, Villafranca became an important stronghold to control the trade passing through the Cisa road, where the Malnido fortress was erected; needless to say, Villafranca was fought over by many powers in the past centuries.

After the Vienna Congress, Villafranca was given to the Duke of Modena, to later pass under the rule of the Granducato di Toscana, and finally join the Regno d'Italia. Second World War inflicted serious wounds to Villafranca: the main buildings were bombed and so perished the Malaspina Castle, the church of S. Francesco -then rebuilt- and the Cappella di San Niccolò, of which now only the bell-tower remains.