Best castles around Nasino are found in the tranquil upper Pennavaira Valley, a region with historical significance dating back to prehistoric and Roman times. During the Middle Ages, the Del Carretto di Balestrino Marquises constructed a castle in Nasino, though only its ruins remain today. The area offers insights into medieval Ligurian architecture and defensive structures, with several notable castle sites nearby. This landscape provides a backdrop for exploring historical settlements and their fortifications.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Castelvecchio Castle in Rocca Barbena dominates the medieval village of the same name, perched on a rocky spur in the Savona hinterland. A former stronghold of the Del Carretto marquises, it was built for military and defensive purposes, and its strategic location made it the fulcrum of feudal power over the valley below. Today, the imposing manor is reduced to a fascinating ruin, its ruins revealing centuries of history. Although no longer intact, the atmosphere surrounding it is highly evocative. Its crumbling walls and towers have become the symbol of the village, a true testament to its glorious past.
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Zuccarello was founded by the Clavesana family in 1248, who made the castle above it the feudal centre of the valley; it was then taken over by the Del Carretto family and, in 1625, by the Republic of Genoa.
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Nice ride. Easy and well marked route. Challenging descents with uneven ground and some technical passages.
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From Nasino the road begins to climb, at times with tiring slopes, up to Alto, a beautiful panoramic point and a town full of things to see, including the well-restored historic center, the castle (which can be visited by reservation) and the church with beautiful baroque frescoes. Alto is located about halfway up the hill, but the slopes decrease from here to Caprauna.
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It's true, we're talking about cycle tourism here... but it's worth spending some time visiting this beautiful village, or even just stopping to take a look, the view is superb! I rode the road downhill, but even uphill it must be a wonderful experience, given the slopes you encounter, never excessive and regular. The only flaw, the road in the valley, at least up to the detour to Castelvecchio, is always quite busy, even with heavy vehicles, so you need to be careful... even downhill!
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Only the ruins remain of the castle but the view is worth the effort. If you go up from the center of Zuccarello you have to push the bike for large stretches, at the top of the cobbled road wooden barriers prohibit you from going downhill
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Zuccarello is a medieval town in the Val Neva. The name derives from from Zucco or Zuccaro, which means "knoll", or rather rounded hill. It was founded on April 4, 1248 with an act signed by the Marquis of Clavesana on one side and by the population of Val Neva on the other. The foundation deed is still preserved in the historical archive of the Municipality.
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If you cycle this round then you should definitely cycle through the village of Zuccarello. It is an old village and really worth seeing.
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Near Nasino, you can explore several sites with rich history. The Castello di Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, a former stronghold of the Del Carretto marquises, stands as an imposing ruin. The Zuccarello Historic Village, founded in 1248, features a castle that served as the valley's feudal center. Additionally, the Castello dei Del Carretto in Balestrino, though its interior is not accessible, offers a majestic exterior and panoramic views, reflecting centuries of regional history.
Yes, the Zuccarello Historic Village is a great family-friendly option. It's a beautifully renovated, traffic-free village where families can explore its medieval charm. While the castles themselves might have limited access, the villages and their surroundings offer pleasant walks and historical insights suitable for families.
For stunning views, the Abandoned Village of Balestrino offers panoramic vistas of the valley, dominated by the imposing ruins of the Del Carretto Castle. The Path to Castello di Zuccarello also provides a magnificent view from above the town. Additionally, the View of Alto offers a beautiful panoramic point overlooking the town and its castle.
Access to castle interiors varies. The Castello di Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is privately owned and cannot be visited inside. The Castello dei Del Carretto in Balestrino is also not accessible to the public, though its exterior is impressive. The Abandoned Village of Balestrino and its castle are inaccessible for safety reasons. The castle in Alto can be visited by reservation.
The region around Nasino offers various outdoor activities. You can find options for gravel biking, road cycling, and running trails. For example, the Path to Castello di Zuccarello is a steep and rocky trail that offers a challenging hike or mountain bike ride with rewarding views.
Yes, the Path to Castello di Zuccarello is described as steep and rocky, making it challenging for both hiking and cycling. It's a rewarding climb for those seeking a more strenuous outdoor experience, offering magnificent views from the top.
While specific seasonal recommendations for castles are not provided, the region's outdoor activities suggest that spring and autumn would be ideal for comfortable exploration. These seasons typically offer pleasant weather for walking around historic villages and enjoying panoramic views without extreme heat or cold.
Visitors particularly appreciate the charming atmosphere and historical significance. The Castello di Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is noted for being a 'beautiful very charming place'. The Zuccarello Historic Village is praised for being 'beautifully renovated' and 'traffic-free', offering a pleasant experience. The evocative atmosphere of the ruins and the panoramic views are also highly valued.
Yes, the Abandoned Village of Balestrino is a notable ghost town in the heart of the province of Savona. It was depopulated in the 1960s due to geological instability. The old town is dominated by the imposing ruins of the Del Carretto Castle, creating a unique atmosphere, though the village itself is inaccessible for safety reasons.
The Del Carretto family played a significant role in the region. The Castello di Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena was a former stronghold of the Del Carretto marquises. Additionally, the Castello dei Del Carretto in Balestrino, built by the same noble family, is a significant medieval fortress that reflects their architectural legacy and power in the region.
Yes, the Castello dei Del Carretto in Balestrino gained recognition as an important filming location for the movie 'Inkheart'. Its majestic exterior and dominating position made it a memorable backdrop.
The castles in the region showcase medieval Ligurian architecture and defensive structures. For example, the Castello dei Del Carretto in Balestrino, originally built with an asymmetrical design, features a fortified palace appearance today, with a brick stringcourse, a double-leaf gate with the Del Carretto coat of arms, and a large central watchtower. These structures reflect centuries of modifications and restorations.


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