Finalborgo for Castle Days 2026

On the weekend of 16–17 May 2026, the medieval village of Finalborgo in Finale Ligure (SV) will open to visitors as part of the Castle Days (Giornate dei Castelli), an initiative promoting castles, fortifications and historic villages organized by the Italian Institute of Castles and supported by the Ministry of Culture.

Event highlights

• Guided tours of the medieval center, focusing on the 15th-century walls, historic gates and original urban layout.
• Conference in the cloister of the Santa Caterina Monumental Complex, offering insights into the history of the Marchesato del Finale and defensive architecture.
• Themed walks and short cultural hikes in the surrounding hills that link the village to the coastline.

What to see in Finalborgo

Finalborgo preserves notable architectural and historical features. Highlights include:

• Porta Reale and Porta Testa, medieval access gates largely unchanged over the centuries.
• Collegiata di San Biagio with its baroque interiors and late-gothic bell tower.
• Santa Caterina Monumental Complex, housing the archaeological museum and the civic library.
• Castel San Giovanni, a panoramic fortress above the village with sweeping sea and valley views.

Practical information

The Finalborgo program for the Castle Days runs on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026. Some events (for example the cloister conference) may require prior reservation: check availability before attending.

How to get there:

• By car: take the A10 Genoa–Ventimiglia, exit at Finale Ligure; follow signs to Finalborgo (expect heavier traffic on busy weekends).
• By train: arrive at Finale Ligure station on the coast, then continue by local bus, taxi or on foot to the medieval center.

Tips for visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and inclines.
• Bring water and sun protection on warm days; confirm tour times and booking requirements in advance.
• Use the special openings to visit museums and cloisters that may have limited regular hours.

Finalborgo is an excellent stop for those exploring fortified villages in Liguria and interested in local history and defensive architecture. For exact schedules and reservations, consult the official Castle Days program 2026.