Castello di Punta Pagana, Coastal fortress in Rapallo, Italy
The Castello di Punta Pagana is a stone fortress positioned on the Punta Pagana promontory, commanding views of the Tigullio Gulf. The structure features thick defensive walls and sits on the rocky headland between Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo.
The Republic of Genoa built this fortress in 1625 as a defense against potential threats from the interior. It became a fully operational military installation beginning in 1631 and maintained its role for over seven decades.
The fortress was a key point in the coastal defense network of the Genoa Republic and shows the military architecture of that era. Its thick walls were part of a larger system designed to protect the entire coastline from threats.
The fortress belongs to the Order of Malta and can only be viewed from the outside while walking along Via San Michele. The best views of the building and bay are from the waterside paths or the surrounding rocky coastline.
Though the fortress was garrisoned with soldiers and cannons for over seven decades, it never fired a shot in actual combat. The installation remained ready for defense but was never attacked, proving its effectiveness as a deterrent presence.
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