Vernazza Castle: A Historic Fortress in Italy

Visitor Information

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Country: Italy

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Vernazza Castle, also known as Castello Doria, rises in the coastal village of Vernazza in Italy. It was originally established in the 11th century by the Obertenghi family, a noble lineage influential in the region during the medieval period.

The earliest recorded mention of a castle in Vernazza dates back to the 13th century. Throughout this century, the fortress changed hands several times, with ownership passing among various authorities such as the bishops of Luni, the marquises of Passano, and the counts Fieschi. Eventually, control was transferred to the Republic of Genoa, which played a dominant role in the Ligurian coast during this era.

In connection with the Battle of Meloria, a significant naval conflict during the 13th century, Vernazza’s castle briefly came under occupation by Pisan forces. This event involved local sailors and ships from Vernazza, indicating the strategic importance of the area’s maritime activity. However, the castle soon returned to Genoese control following this episode.

During the 15th century, the castle included a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, reflecting the religious practices and community life linked to the fortress. Unfortunately, this chapel no longer exists today and has vanished from the physical record.

In the 20th century, particularly during World War II, Vernazza Castle was repurposed as a military defensive position by Nazi German forces. They stationed anti-aircraft weaponry within its walls as part of their coastal defense strategies.

A notable artifact associated with the castle was a bronze cannon inscribed with “Comunitas Vernatiæ,” which signifies the community of Vernazza. This cannon was taken by British soldiers during the conflict and is now displayed in the British Museum in London.

Today, Vernazza Castle serves as a museum and space for exhibitions, preserving its long history and importance to the community.

Remains

Perched on a rocky promontory about 70 meters high, Vernazza Castle forms the southern edge of the village’s harbor along the Italian coast. Its layout is irregular, shaped closely to the natural contours of the rocky spur on which it was constructed. This irregular pattern reflects numerous building phases and modifications made over several centuries.

The most ancient feature still standing is a cylindrical tower positioned near the center of the castle’s plateau. This tower represents the oldest surviving part of the structure and has been carefully restored during the 20th century to conserve its form and integrity.

While earlier records mention a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist within the castle complex, no physical traces of this religious building exist within the current remains. The castle’s stone walls and overall site condition are well preserved enough to accommodate its present function as a cultural venue.

Details concerning the castle’s building materials or decorative elements have not been specifically documented, leaving the visible features to focus primarily on its defensive architecture and elevated position.

Today, the castle stands as a testament to its layered historical use, with the existing ruins and restored tower providing a visible link to its medieval origins and later military roles.