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Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly

Liguria castles, palaces and mansions

The Liguria region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Liguria region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

La Spezia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello San Giorgio

The castle of San Giorgio was built in 1252 thanks to Niccolò Fieschi. The construction of its walls today represents a testimony of about 300 meters. The interior looks eccentric thanks to the characteristic Ghibelline battlements and the walkways of the guards. In 1606 the castle was renovated again by the Genoese. The property is located in the city of La Spezia, and has an entrance to the north and one in the west area. Today the castle is part of the Ubaldo Formentini Civic Archaeological Museum.

Calice al Cornoviglio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Calice o Doria-Malaspina

It is a building built for the defensive purpose around the 11th century. Today the castle is home to municipal, tourist offices and the Environmental Education Center. But it also hosts other institutions. In fact, on the remaining two floors there is the Beekeeping Museum, the David Beghe Picture Gallery and the Pietro Rosa Museum. It is still in excellent condition, tourists can see it in its original structure.

Imperia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Grock

Villa Grock was the accommodation of Adrien Wettach, a well-known Swiss circus, until 1959. He was so impressed by the city of Imperia that he bought the villa in 1920, which became his permanent residence until the end of his days. When Grock died the villa, with the beautiful garden, they represented the testimony of the strength and melancholy of the so-called 'King of Clowns'. Today the villa houses in its interior the Clown Museum and the park is a point of reference for tourists.

Genoa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa del Principe

The Villa del Principe is located in the center of the city and is an ancient three-storey building. Previously it was the private residence of Prince Admiral Andrea Doria, today it is one of the city's main historic buildings. The rooms are furnished with furniture from the period of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, instead the gallery exhibits a cycle of tapestries from the sixteenth century. Observing the interior of the palace, we notice the influence of Spanish art, due to economic and political relations with Spain.

Genoa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Puin

Fort Puin is located in the city of Genoa and dates back to the early nineteenth century, it was built between 1815 and 1830, with the main purpose of defending the northern part of the city. Its construction anticipates the other strong neighbors of the area. Thanks to a restoration that dates back to the 60s, today it is in excellent state of preservation and can be visited to the public. The Fort is the property of the State Property of the Municipality of Genoa.

Genoa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Richelieu

Fort Richelieu was raised in the second half of the 18th century by the Spanish engineer Jacque de Sicre. On 16 November 1747 the fort took the name of Marshal Richelieu and work began on the construction of the complex, which immediately became a strategic point for the defense of Genoa. In the 19th century, during French rule, the structure of the fort was enlarged. The property has a drawbridge at the entrance and a central courtyard, where the two-story barracks overlook.

Vobbia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Pietra

It is located in a particular and very suggestive position, between two spurs of rocky conglomerate. Precisely for this particular position it is counted among the most visited points of cultural attraction of the Antola Regional Natural Park. It is also part of the Italian national monuments. This construction had the function of defensive and dwelling. Today it is still in good condition and can be visited, but it is only reachable on foot.

Genoa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Podestà

Palazzo Podestà also known as Palazzo Lomellini is located in the historic center of Genoa. It was built between 1559 and 1565 by Giovanni Battista Castello, who belonged to one of the most powerful families in the city. The building's prospectus is decorated with stucco, the portal is in marble with Doric columns and the inscription “SAPIENTIA AEDIFICABITUR DOMUS” (the house will be built wisely). Inside, the frescoes by B. Parodi, Lorenzo De Ferrari and Giacomo Boni are preserved.

Isola del Cantone - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Spinola-Migliacco

The Spinola-Migliacco Castle is assumed to have been built between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, but there is no precise date. It became the property of the Malaspina in 1235, and then moved to the Spinola in 1256. Today, the building has a square base, particularly thick walls and two circular towers, from which you access the passenger compartment. It is currently owned by the heirs of the Mignacco family, who deal with keeping it in good condition and preserving its original structure.

Lerici - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di San Terenzo

Built on a rocky territory by the inhabitants of the village around 1400 on an ancient existing tower that served to guard the sea from pirate invasions. In different times, the castle has undergone changes. Over the centuries, the castle has been a real defender from attacks coming from the sea. Today, the original structure has remained with three circular turrets, the entrance and a quadrangular tower. The castle is open to public visits.

Genoa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Balbi Senarega

Palazzo Balbi-Senarega is located in the historic center of Genoa and was founded by two brothers Giacomo and Pantaleo Balvo. The building contains two apartments located one above the other in order to make more effective use of the space. Baroque art is distinguished above all from the decorations of the second floor Nobile and from the garden of the building characterized by the wide Baroque spatiality and the bright colonnades. Today, the building is home to the departments of the University of Genoa.

Genoa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Santa Tecla

The Fort of Santa Tecla was built by the engineer Jacques De Sicre in 1747, on the basis where the church of Santa Tecla stood, from which it takes its name. The fort was part of the fortification work of the city of Genoa, and its structure is imposing and majestic. There is, with a courtyard, where stands the barracks divided into three floors. On the upper floors are the accommodations and a passage leading to the southern ramparts used as warehouses.

Andora - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Andora (Paraxo)

The Castle of Andora is located on a hill in the Ligurian municipality of Andora, in the province of Savona. From the very beginning, it was called Paraxo. The building dates back to 1200. Over the years, the castle has passed into the hands of several noble families. The monument is among the most visited and renowned in the province, despite the fact that there are only the ruins of the walls and defensive towers. Today the castle belongs to individuals.

Savona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Rovere

Built in 1495 and finished in the '500, it is the largest building in the historic center of Savona. In 1507 the palace was used as accommodation for the nobles. During 1673 it was used as a convent for the Poor Clares, which then also became the owners of it. At the beginning of the 19th century he assumed the role of the seat of the Napoleonic Prefecture. The interior has a hallway decorated with the same rounds of antiquity. Today the building is state-owned. In the chapel attributed to the Courthouse, there is a fresco depicting Napoleon's Apotheosis.

Savona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ferrero-Grassi-Lamba Doria

The Palazzo Lamba Doria is a stately residence of the '500. Outside you can see the marble portal embellished by the acefale figures that were taken from the destroyed Palazzo Grimaldi. The interior, on the other hand, was further enriched by frescoes and majolica by the Savonese and Albisolese furnaces. The building was bought by the Chamber of Commerce in 1952. After the restoration finished in 1958, the palace became the seat of the Chamber of Commerce, a role it also plays currently.

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