Monleone Fortress, Medieval fortress in Moneglia, Italy

Monleone Fortress is a defensive and lookout settlement built by the Republic of Genoa in 1173 on the western hill above Moneglia. Within the original perimeter stand a castle erected in the early 20th century by architect Venceslao Borzani for Marquis De Fornari, private houses, and a large separate portion of the original fortress remains.

The fortification was founded in 1173 under consul Ingone di Flessa and served to protect against attacks from both sea and land. This site played a key role in medieval Genoese security and coastal control.

The original fortification now houses an early 20th-century castle designed by architect Venceslao Borzani in the Mackenzie Castle style. This structure shapes how the site appears today and shows how medieval defenses were adapted for residential purposes.

The fortress is privately owned and cannot be visited by the public, so view it from outside. You can get the best views of the structure from the paths around Moneglia, especially when looking up from the beach area toward the hills.

The 1174 siege by Obizzo Malaspina, with 3,000 foot soldiers and 150 knights, failed to take the fortress; the Genoese relief force then seized the nearby Da Passano castle. A large portion of the original fortress walls still stands apart from the 20th-century buildings, privately owned and studied with the University of Genoa.