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Nucetto Castle is a medieval structure located in the town of Nucetto, in the Upper Tanaro Valley.
In the past, Nucetto held strategic importance due to its location near a bridge over the Tanaro River, connecting Piedmont and Liguria. The castle likely dates back to the reign of King Arduin, built around the year 1000. It later came under the control of the Aleramic marquises of Ceva, who founded the Ceva di Nucetto branch. Giorgio II of Ceva, known as “the Dwarf,” improved and expanded the castle both functionally and aesthetically.
In 1414, it suffered serious damage during conflicts between the House of Savoy and the Marquisate of Ceva. After the war, the Ceva family regained control and restored it. Later, the castle, along with the city of Asti, was granted to Beatrice of Portugal. Through her marriage to Charles II of Savoy, the property was incorporated into Savoy territory.
During the Napoleonic wars, the castle was again involved in military actions and was partially destroyed by French troops to prevent its use by enemy forces. Nearby stands a small deconsecrated church dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, once the parish church of Nucetto. In 2020, the castle was acquired by the municipality to promote it as a tourist attraction.
The castle sits at about 600 meters above sea level, perched on a mountain spur overlooking the Tanaro Valley and the town of Nucetto. Its elevated position makes it visible from a great distance. Today, the ruins include a tall tower and much of the perimeter walls.
Although the site is freely accessible, visitors must be cautious due to the risk of collapse. The town of Nucetto now hosts an annual event called the Giro del Castello di Nucetto, featuring a footrace and a recreational walk that pass by the castle.
The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.