Castello Doria, Medieval castle on a rocky plateau in Porto Venere, Italy.

Castello Doria is a fortress on the rocky height above Portovenere, reached by the via al Castello. Its plan is pentagonal: three bastions project on the downhill angles, while a stout round tower from the earlier medieval castle stands on the uphill side. The walls are of rough grey and tan stone, with a crenellated spur running down diagonally and a small square tower on the upper rampart.

The current fortress began construction in 1161 on the site of earlier defensive structures during the rivalry between the Republics of Genoa and Pisa. The location's strategic importance made it a contested stronghold throughout these conflicts.

Since a restoration in the 1970s the castle has belonged to the Comune di Portovenere and hosts art exhibitions tied to events held across the year. The name Doria refers to the Genoese family later associated with the fortress, not to its medieval builders.

The fortress sits on an elevated position with steep approaches, so visitors should wear good walking shoes and be prepared for some climbing. The upper levels offer open views across the bay and coastline, making the effort worthwhile.

The drawbridge is gone, but the slots that once held its counterweight chains can still be seen at the entrance, now a large stone portal. Inside, a vaulted corridor and a covered staircase lead to the hypostyle hall, whose pillars carry the vault; above it stood the castellan's quarters, seat of the Captain of the People from the 16th to the 17th century.