Castello della Lucertola, Medieval castle in Apricale, Italy.

Castello della Lucertola is a hilltop fortress in Apricale built with thick stone walls and defensive towers that rise from the rocky terrain. The structure contains multiple chambers and passages that reflect typical medieval defensive design, and from its elevated position it commands views across the Ligurian landscape toward the French border region.

The fortress was built in the early 1400s by the Ventimiglia family as a strategic defense point near the French border. Over the centuries it experienced siege and change of hands before eventually passing to state control and becoming protected as national heritage.

The name 'della Lucertola' refers to the lizard, a reference to the rocky hillside position where it stands, and this choice reflects local connection to the landscape. Walking through the village paths that lead to the structure, you can see how residents have integrated the building into their daily lives over the centuries.

The site is located within Apricale village and reached via narrow footpaths that wind through medieval streets. Wear comfortable shoes as the route involves steep terrain and uneven surfaces, and checking with local residents can help confirm current access conditions before you visit.

The fortress takes its name from the lizards that inhabit the rocky slopes surrounding the structure, an unusual source for a castle name that few visitors anticipate. This unexpected connection between the fortress and the local wildlife adds an amusing layer to understanding the place's identity.

• Location: Apricale
• Inception: 14 century
• Address: Via Castello, 1, Apricale (IM)
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• GPS coordinates: 43.88039,7.65981
• Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:21