Castello di Cariseto

Castello di Cariseto is a medieval fortress that sits on a ridge overlooking Val d'Aveto and features two circular towers with a central wall structure built into the rocky terrain. The architecture takes advantage of the natural landscape to create a defensible position that rises above the surrounding valley.

Emperor Henry III granted the fortress to the Monastery of San Paolo di Mezzano in 1052, establishing its documented record. Over the following centuries, it remained a strategic stronghold that passed through different hands and served various rulers in the region.

The fortress served as the main center of power for the region and shaped daily life throughout Val d'Aveto. Its rules and structures defined relationships among people who lived in the surrounding territory for generations.

Access to the castle is limited as restoration work is still underway and not all structures are currently open to visitors. It is best to check with the Municipality of Cerignale beforehand to learn which areas are accessible and safe to visit.

During the Fieschi conspiracy in 1546, inhabitants used a hidden underground tunnel to escape the fortress and reach the nearby forest. This secret passage reveals how residents planned for emergencies and dangerous situations.