Genoa is a city steeped in history; its past as a maritime republic is still clearly visible, especially in the fortifications built over the centuries to ensure its security. With this article (which will be divided into two parts), we aim to offer you some insights on how to embark on a tour to discover the Defensive Complex of the Republic of Genoa in Tigullio and the Gulf of Paradise. To visit these ancient fortifications, which made La Superba great, it is advisable to stay in Genoa for a few days. For those arriving by sea, we recommend mooring your boat at the Marina Porto Antico dock, a facility dedicated to pleasure boats equipped with all services, located opposite the historic center of Genoa and very close to all the necessary infrastructure to fully enjoy the beauty of the city.
The Dragonara Castle – Camogli
We begin our tour with the Dragonara Castle, also known as Castle Dragon, a defensive building that characterizes the town of Camogli, one of the most popular tourist destinations for those spending a few days of relaxation in Genoa and its surroundings. The construction of the Dragonara Castle dates back to the second half of the 13th century with the intent of offering the inhabitants of Camogli a multipurpose structure. Castle Dragon served both as a lookout and defense center, and as a place where the town’s inhabitants elected their administrative representatives. Like every fortification, the Camogli structure has undergone several transformations over the centuries. Between 1428 and 1430, the castle was expanded and reinforced to improve its defensive function, which was put to the test by continuous attacks from pirates and enemy armies of the Genoese Republic. It is also interesting to know that during the 1970s, the Dragonara Castle hosted the predecessor of the Genoa Aquarium, the Tyrrhenian Aquarium; a structure that housed some specimens of Camogli’s marine fauna. Upon its closure, its aquatic guests were transferred to the tanks of the Genoa Aquarium. Currently, the castle is undergoing restoration work aimed at transforming it into a prestigious conference hall.
Rapallo Castle – Rapallo
Another fortification that exudes the history of the ancient Republic of Genoa is the Rapallo Castle. A defensive structure that today characterizes the charming Vittorio Veneto promenade. Inside, there is a small chapel dedicated to San Gaetano dating back to 1688, characterized by a distinctive small dome with a bell clearly visible from outside the castle. The fortification, which represents the quintessential symbol of the city of Rapallo, has been declared an Italian national monument by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The construction of the Rapallo Castle is linked to a curious historical fact involving the terrible Turkish admiral Dragut (a real thorn in the side of the then Republic of Genoa). On July 4, 1549, Dragut and his crew landed in Rapallo, raiding and looting the small seaside town. The attack culminated in the kidnapping of twenty-two young women who were embarked on Turkish vessels as slaves. To prevent new attacks by enemy armies, the government of the Genoese Republic commissioned the construction of this castle, which still retains its unchanged charm as a marine outpost. Currently, the Rapallo Castle hosts public and private events, including Rapalloonia; the annual international event dedicated to the world of comics.
Brown Castle – Portofino
One of the most fascinating fortifications of the defensive complex of the Republic of Genoa is undoubtedly the Brown Castle in Portofino. Built on ancient Roman foundations with the name of Castle of San Giorgio, the structure was erected around 1425 when Tomaso Fregoso, doge of the Republic of Genoa until 1421, occupied the village of Portofino and its fortress in opposition to Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan. The castle returned to the Republic of Genoa in 1430. Over the centuries, the structure was repeatedly expanded and reinforced, with the most important works carried out between 1554 and 1557, after which the fortification assumed the classic features that still characterize it today, although further expansion works were done in 1624 and 1728. The Castle of San Giorgio was finally decommissioned and disarmed in 1867, the year it was purchased by the British consul in Genoa, Sir Montague Yeats Brown, from whom the current name of Brown Castle derives and thanks to whom the structure has in fact become one of the most evocative tourist attractions of Portofino. During the years of Brown’s ownership, the castle underwent numerous modernization interventions entrusted to the architect Alfredo d’Andrade who, in addition to transforming the fortress into a residence, raised the towers and transformed the ancient parade ground into an enchanting hanging garden. In 1961, the castle was finally purchased by the Municipality of Rapallo. Today, the fortification is a charming location with a wonderful garden surrounded by suggestive terraces and is often the venue for events, workshops, elite parties, weddings, and private celebrations. To reach Brown Castle from the Portofino square, you need to walk about thirty minutes. The path winds through the typical shops of the Ligurian village and the recently restored houses of former sailors. During the journey, you can also enjoy a fairytale landscape that takes your breath away.
After the first day dedicated to visiting the ancient Genoese fortifications, you can return comfortably by land or sea to Marina Porto Antico to let yourself be captivated by the atmosphere of the center of Genoa, before casting off the ropes of your boat and setting off for new adventures. We look forward to seeing you next month with the second part of our itinerary discovering the Defensive Complex of the Republic of Genoa in Tigullio and the Gulf of Paradise, when we will explore the Pagan Tower, the Castle of Punta Pagana, and the Saracen Towers.
