Top 5 Castles around Cipressa
Castles around Cipressa offer a glimpse into the historical fortifications of this Ligurian village. Situated on a hill, Cipressa features defensive structures and a historically fortified "Castello quarter." These sites provide insight into the region's past as a strategic hilltop settlement. Visitors can explore ancient strongholds and ruins that reflect centuries of history.
Best castles around Cipressa
- The most popular castles is Bestagno Castle, a historical site built on masonry structures from the 10th to 14th centuries. This ancient…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Bestagno Castle
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Prelà Castle Ruins
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Ancient Cobblestone Path and Ruins of Vasia Castle
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Doria Castle of Prelà
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Descent from Prelà Castle
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MTB descent from Prelà Castello to Molini di Prelà, all on a well-maintained mule track but with frequent curves. Excellent for MTB, very fun, never too steep. Some difficult passages.
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ancient castle of the Doria, placed to guard the road of fortification towards the Via del Sale that passed from Prelà Castello. Destroyed by the Spanish and never rebuilt. It was paired with the Maro castle of which only a few stones remain. It was recently purchased by a foreigner who began the restoration with the intent of rebuilding it as it was. The works, however, have been stopped for a few years. Currently the castle has at least been cleaned and made safe.
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The castle is built on masonry structures from various periods between the 12th and 14th centuries, which bear the signs of destruction by the Spanish in 1611. An ancient stronghold and the scene of fierce battles, it constitutes, at least in its original layout, an excellent example of medieval military architecture from the 12th century. The construction of the castle probably dates back to the first half of the 10th century.
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This trait Brevisismo has recently been redone as it once was, that is, with stones positioned cut and stuck together, without concrete. The result is one of the few occasions to see how the mule tracks used to be, when they were still well maintained, without weeds and years of neglect. In addition, from here you can take excellent photos of the town, the castle and towards Vasia PS: you can go down on foot, gravel or MTB
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The village of Prela is now reduced to a few houses, a row of buildings almost entirely restored by foreign owners who understood the value of the country years ago. The houses are compressed between the ruins of the ancient castle and the church of SS. Giacomo and Nicolò, which closes the village downstream. This place took its name from the "petralata" that is the large stone on which the feudal lords had built the fortress several times destroyed and rebuilt. The castle, placed to guard the via Marenca, which connects with the via del Sale, was demolished after the last Genoese reconquest. Antonio Doria in 1340 destroyed the castle of Prela Soprana from the very foundations; the castle itself was later rebuilt further down on the rocky spur, where the remains of the four semicircular towers can still be seen today. The massive construction with huge irregular stone blocks, a wall and a contiguous tower, have some slits in the upper part and traces of internal stairs for the disengagement of the various floors and environments. The external tower was connected to the castle; according to popular tradition, the various "colombere" or watchtowers located in the surroundings were also connected by means of tunnels. Since the early 2000s it has been owned by a German private individual who is taking care of its restoration. The church at the end of the village, recently restored, stands on a mass of overlapping rocks segregated from each other so as to leave interstices and underground caves, which, pushing under the floor of the church, form a kind of impracticable and deep underground, within where until 1845 the dead were laid, through a hole in the center of the floor of the main nave. Inside there are decorations, stuccoes and a complete organ from around 1700. The church is the matrix of all the others in the valley (i.e. the one that first generated all the other churches, making new copies of the original sacred scriptures)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical fortifications can I explore around Cipressa?
Cipressa and its surroundings are rich in defensive structures and fortified village remnants, rather than grand castles. You can explore sites like the Torre Gallinaro, a 16th-century control and defense tower, and the historical 'Castello quarter' of Cipressa itself. Other notable sites include Bestagno Castle, Ancient Cobblestone Path and Ruins of Vasia Castle, and the ruins of Doria Castle of Prelà.
What is the history behind Torre Gallinaro in Cipressa?
The Torre Gallinaro is a significant 16th-century defensive tower, built by the local populace to protect against Barbary incursions. Its construction was completed before 1588, and it features a slightly elongated quadrangular plan with thick stone walls and loopholes. It originally had two levels, and its strategic location offered panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea.
Are there any specific castles or ruins that offer great views?
Yes, the Torre Gallinaro, perched on a hill above Cipressa, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding countryside. On clear days, you can reportedly see over 50 kilometers of coastline. The Ancient Cobblestone Path and Ruins of Vasia Castle also offers excellent photo opportunities of the town and the castle ruins.
What are some of the most historically significant castle sites near Cipressa?
Beyond the Torre Gallinaro, the Bestagno Castle is a historical site built on masonry structures from the 10th to 14th centuries, showcasing medieval military architecture. The Doria Castle of Prelà, though destroyed by the Spanish and never fully rebuilt, was strategically placed to guard the Via del Sale.
What outdoor activities can I combine with visiting these historical sites?
The area around Cipressa offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including a 'Ruderi Castello loop' from Cipressa. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like the 'Ponente Ligure Cycle Path' and gravel biking options. You can explore more routes in the Gravel biking around Cipressa, Running Trails around Cipressa, and Road Cycling Routes around Cipressa guides.
Are there any family-friendly walks or activities near the castles?
The scenic walking trail leading to the Torre Gallinaro is suitable for families and offers rewarding views. The Ancient Cobblestone Path and Ruins of Vasia Castle is also an easy walk on a recently restored path, providing a glimpse into historical mule tracks.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and historical sites around Cipressa?
The Ligurian climate is generally mild. Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring the outdoor sites and trails without the intense heat of summer or the cooler, wetter conditions of winter. These periods also tend to be less crowded.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or areas around the castles?
While specific dog-friendly designations for each castle site are not always available, many of the outdoor trails and paths in the Ligurian countryside, including those leading to historical ruins, are generally dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them. The walking trail to Torre Gallinaro is a good option for a walk with your dog.
How long does it typically take to explore the historical sites around Cipressa?
Exploring individual sites like the Torre Gallinaro or the ruins of Doria Castle of Prelà might take 1-2 hours, including the walk to reach them. If you plan to visit multiple sites or combine them with a longer hike, you could easily spend half a day or a full day exploring the region's historical fortifications and surrounding trails.
What should I wear when visiting the castles and ruins?
Given that many sites involve walking on uneven terrain, old cobblestone paths, or trails, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. Layers of clothing are advisable, as coastal weather can change, and a hat and sunscreen are useful during sunny periods. For the Torre Gallinaro, the walk up can be exposed.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the historical sites in Cipressa?
Cipressa and nearby villages like Lingueglietta offer local cafes and restaurants where you can find refreshments and traditional Ligurian cuisine. It's a good idea to check their operating hours, especially outside of peak tourist season. Some sites, like the Torre Gallinaro, are a short walk from the main village amenities.
Is public transport available to reach the castles and historical areas?
Public transport options to reach Cipressa and its surrounding villages are available, primarily by bus. However, reaching specific historical sites or trailheads might require some walking from the bus stops. For places like the Torre Gallinaro, the final approach is on foot from the village center. It's best to check local bus schedules in advance.
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