Rapallo Castle – the seaside landmark of the city

History and description

Built between 1550 and 1551 by order of the Republic of Genoa after Dragut’s attack, the castle became the seat of the Captaincy of Rapallo in the 17th century, and later served as a prison and headquarters of the Guardia di Finanza. Its first restoration took place in 1963, when it passed into the hands of the Municipality, followed by further works between 1997 and 1999. It was finally reopened to the public in 2022. Standing on a rock facing the seafront, the castle has a quadrilateral layout, complete with a watchtower and a small chapel dedicated to Saint Gaetano, equipped with a bell.

Curiosities

Declared a National Monument by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the castle is the centerpiece of a spectacular fireworks display held every July in honor of the Madonna of Montallegro.

Access

Open to the public, the castle can be visited according to schedules and ticket prices that vary and should be checked in advance.

How to reach it

The site can be reached from the Vittorio Veneto seafront with a short walk from the historic center.

An architectural jewel of Liguria, Rapallo Castle offers visitors a unique experience that blends tradition, sacredness, and history, while also providing the chance to witness an unforgettable spectacle.

Photo credits: Dapa19 (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0