Santa Margherita Ligure Castle, Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy

The Santa Margherita Ligure fortress is located at the foot of a hill on which the Villa Durazzo-Centurione now stands. It was built following a resolution by the Senate of the Republic of Genoa in 1550, and it was meant to defend against raids from the Barbary pirates. It was designed by Antonio de Càrabo, who was also responsible for the construction of the Castello di Rapallo.

Construction began in 1550 and it was completed by September of the same year. Various structural interventions and armament upgrades took place until the early 17th century. After pirate attacks ceased in the 18th century, the fort lost its military importance and only some repair and maintenance works were undertaken.

In the 19th century, there were plans to demolish the building twice: first to build a new municipal building after Rapallo was established as an independent municipality, and then to enlarge the adjacent Calata Vittorio Emanuele. It was restored after World War I and it was dedicated in the memory of the fallen in that war.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Nick Hoare (7 months ago)
Smart port. Very popular with tourists from many countries including USA. We came off a cruise so weren't there long....

Max (7 months ago)
Picturesque, relaxing, special ligurian focaccia

michelle green (8 months ago)
Pretty harbour in Italy well worth a visit.

Roman Kovbasyuk (8 months ago)
Not much to see there, just a small Genovese castle in Santa Margherita Ligure near the promenade. Haven't been inside, but from outside it looks nice and many people stop to take a picture.

Khalid AlGarni (10 months ago)
Great location, and great staff especially the out door Bar staff very great people.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Frans.Sellies

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