Castles in Liguria

Castles and Fortifications of Liguria

Liguria's coastline and hills are defined by centuries of defensive architecture, from the Republic of Genoa’s strategic towers to medieval hilltop strongholds. This collection features coastal fortresses like Portovenere's Castello Doria and Rapallo's seaside castle, alongside inland fortifications such as the Doria-Malaspina castle in Calice al Cornoviglio. These structures illustrate the evolution of military engineering, showcasing medieval city gates, Renaissance bastions, and 19th-century residential conversions that protected the Italian Riviera from maritime incursions and territorial conflicts.

Castles and Fortifications of Liguria — Map

Andrzej Otrębski / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Castello Brown

Castello Brown is a historic house museum located high above the harbour of Portofino, northern Italy.

Mstyslav Chernov / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Porta Soprana

The walls of Genoa constitute in their whole the several circles of walls that protected and defended the city of Genoa, former capital of…

Davide Papalini / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Castello Doria

A 12th-century Genoese fortress perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Portovenere. It features massive stone walls and strategic bastions designed to defend the Gulf of Poets.

Davide Papalini / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Castello di Riomaggiore

A 13th-century fortification located in the upper part of the village. It features two circular towers and was originally built for defensive purposes against pirate raids.

Alessio Sbarbaro / CC BY-SA 2.5

E

Priamar Fortress

The Priamar Fortress is a fortress occupying the hill with the same name above the port of Savona, Liguria, northern Italy.

Cribegh / Public domain

F

Castello San Giorgio

A military fortification in La Spezia with origins dating back to the 13th century. It now houses the "Ubaldo Formentini" Civic Museum, showcasing archaeological finds from the Lunigiana region.

Twice25 / CC BY 2.5

G

Albertis Castle

D'Albertis Castle is a historical residence in Genoa, north-western Italy.

MovidaPhilosopher / Public domain

H

Castello della Dragonara

A medieval defensive structure built on a cliff in Camogli. Throughout history, it served as a watchtower, a prison, and a place of refuge for the local population during maritime attacks.

Dapa19 / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Castello di Rapallo

A 16th-century fortress built directly on the sea to protect the town from pirate incursions. It is characterized by its small chapel and currently serves as a venue for cultural exhibitions.

Alain Rouiller / CC BY-SA 2.0

J

Mackenzie Castle

The Mackenzie Castle is a historical manor in the Castelletto quarter of Genoa, northern Italy.

Davide Papalini / CC BY 2.5

K

Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure

The Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure is a 16th-century fortress in Santa Margherita Ligure, within the Metropolitan City of Genoa in…

Mstyslav Chernov / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Torretta

Also known as the Leon Pancaldo Tower, this 14th-century structure stands at the entrance of Savona’s harbor. It is a symbol of the city and was once part of the medieval defensive walls.

Davide Papalini / CC BY 2.5

M

Castello di Levanto

A 13th-century Genoese fortification situated on the southern end of the town. It retains its original defensive walls and a prominent tower overlooking the bay.

Davide Papalini / CC BY 3.0

N

Chiavari Castle

Chiavari Castle is an ancient fortification in Chiavari, Province of Genoa, in Italy.

Davide Papalini / CC BY 2.5

O

Torre dell'orologio

A defensive tower and clock tower located behind the historic center of Bonassola. It was part of the local fortification system designed to guard the village against Saracen raids.

Davide Papalini / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Castello di Calice al Cornoviglio

Known as the Doria-Malaspina Castle, this inland fortification dates back to the 11th century. It features a mix of medieval and Renaissance architectural elements and houses several local museums.

Other Lists

Liguria Essentials Historic Religious Sites in Liguria Museums and Heritage Coastal Views and Parks