Castle of Riomaggiore

The Castle of Riomaggiore is a stone fortress set on a rocky promontory that juts into the Mediterranean, marked by two round towers at its entrance and a square central structure. The building rises prominently above the village and surrounding coastline, serving as a landmark visible from many points in the area.

Marquis Turcotti initiated construction of this fortress in 1260, and the Genoese completed it after the property came under Nicolo Fieschi's control. These building phases shaped both the structure and its strategic importance in the region's maritime history.

The castle hosts an exhibition called 'Cinque Terre, A Human Landscape' that presents the heritage of the region through various displays and artifacts.

Access to the site involves climbing stairs and walking paths that wind through the village, with different routes depending on your starting point and fitness level. Wearing comfortable shoes is important since the climb is steep and the ground surfaces are uneven.

The fortress served as a burial ground in the early 1800s before transitioning to its current function as an exhibition space. This unexpected former use reveals how buildings have adapted to changing community needs over generations.