Castle of Cervo, Medieval castle in Cervo, Italy

The Castle of Cervo stands on the highest point of the old town in Piazza al Castello. It is built entirely of stone on a rectangular plan, with four towers at the corners. It began as a fortified church dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria before the Clavesana marquises made it their castle-palace.

The building began as a fortified church dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria on the highest hill of the village. Around the 13th century the Marquises of Clavesana, lords of the territory, turned it into their castle-palace, incorporating an earlier Romanesque tower. Its lower rooms later housed a hospital of the Knights of Rhodes named after Saint Anthony Abbot.

The building began as a fortified church dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria before the Clavesana marquises made it their castle-palace. Its lower rooms later housed a hospital run by the Knights of Rhodes and named for Saint Anthony Abbot, a use recalled in the name of that space.

The castle sits at the village center and is accessible on foot, though the approach involves narrow lanes and steep passages. Wearing sturdy shoes is advisable, and visitors should allow time to explore both the interior and viewing points.

The building began as a fortified church dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria before the Clavesana marquises made it their castle-palace around the 13th century, incorporating an earlier Romanesque tower. Its lower rooms once housed a hospital run by the Knights of Rhodes and named after Saint Anthony Abbot.