The Doria Castle of Vernazza towers over the village from the top of a rocky promontory.
The origins of the fortress date back to the 11th century, when Vernazza—like the other villages of the Cinque Terre—was part of the territories of the Republic of Genoa. Its strategic position, jutting out toward the sea, made it the perfect place to monitor trade routes and, above all, to defend against Saracen pirate attacks that threatened the Ligurian coast for centuries.
Despite its name, this was not a noble residence: the powerful Genoese Doria family never lived here. The castle was instead a military structure built for the community, designed as a lookout point and a refuge in times of danger. Inside, there were no grand reception halls or lavish furnishings, but rather simple, functional spaces — solid walls, watchtowers, and walkways. Over time, the fortress was strengthened and expanded multiple times; records show that in the 15th century it was restored and continued to serve as a defense against enemy incursions.
Today, only the cylindrical tower, known as Belforte, and a few stretches of the walls remain, blending seamlessly with the village’s pastel-colored houses. The tower, restored in the 20th century, is the centerpiece of the visitor experience: by climbing the narrow internal staircase, you reach the top, where a spectacular view opens up over Vernazza’s small harbor, the terraced vineyards, and the other villages of the Cinque Terre. It offers a vantage point that evokes the same sensations felt by those who, centuries ago, scanned the horizon in search of suspicious sails.
The castle doesn’t contain furnished interiors or rooms to explore beyond the tower, so the visit focuses mainly on the historical atmosphere and the landscape. Yet it’s precisely this simplicity that best conveys the soul of the fortress — a structure built for one essential purpose: to protect its community.
An interesting fact: The Doria family, after whom the fortress is named, played a leading role in the maritime defense of the Republic of Genoa. One need only think of Admiral Andrea Doria, a central figure of the 16th century, who led the Genoese fleet against pirates and rival powers. It is likely that the fame and influence of this illustrious family led to the identification of the fortress with their name.
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