Castello della Dragonara description and photos - Italy: Camogli (Topic)

Castello della Dragonara description and photos - Italy: Camogli. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Castello della Dragonara.

Photo and description

Castello della Dragonara is one of the popular tourist attractions in the resort town of Camogli, located on the Ligurian Riviera di Levante. This defensive structure stands on Via Isola. According to some historical documents, the construction of the castle dates back to the first half of the 13th century, but there is no reliable information about the exact date of its construction to this day.

The first Castello della Dragonara, which was probably smaller, was used as an excellent observation post and defensive structure - it stood guard over the fishing village and that part of the Paradiso Bay, which lies opposite the cliff. In addition, in the castle, the inhabitants of Camogli elected their representatives in power, and could also take refuge inside in the event of an unexpected pirate attack.

In the second half of the 14th century, Castello della Dragonara was seriously fortified for more reliable protection of the inhabitants of the fishing village - the necessary weapons were obtained from the Senate of the Republic of Genoa. In the same century, the castle repelled several attacks, although it was partially destroyed, first from Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and then, in 1366, from Nicolo Fieschi.

Between 1428 and 1430, the castle was expanded and re-fortified, this time with the help of the people of Camogli - in particular, an observation tower was built. Despite this, in 1438 the building was besieged by the troops of the Duchy of Milan, and part of its walls were dismantled. Several years later, the inhabitants of Camogli rebuilt new walls, while collecting money for the construction, that is, the whole world.

Ten years later, in 1448, tension in relations between Camogli, neighboring Recco and Genoa began to grow, and the government of the Genoese Republic demanded the demolition of Castello della Dragonara. The castle was destroyed, but just 6 years later it was erected again, again by the forces of the inhabitants of the city, and transferred to the jurisdiction of the ruler of the republic.

In the 16th century, Castello della Dragonara lost its defensive functions and began to be used as a prison. And in the 1970s, after several decades of neglect, the castle was restored and opened to the public. It houses an aquarium with fish, molluscs and crustaceans typical of the Paradiso Bay.

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Topic: Castello della Dragonara description and photos - Italy: Camogli.