Borgo Castello is the medieval nucleus of Andora, perched on the hillside above the modern seaside town. The borgo preserves its old gate tower, the church of Santi Giacomo e Filippo, and at the highest point the ruins of a polygonal castle known locally as the Paraxu — the former residence of the Genoese governor. Views from the hilltop take in the entire bay between Capo Mele and Capo Cervo, with the Ligurian Alps rising behind.
The contrast with the beach resort below is striking. The borgo is quiet, partly inhabited, with stone lanes and the smell of lavender and herbs in the gardens. In summer, when the lungomare fills with tourists, Borgo Castello remains calm. An open-air festival of Ligurian music occasionally uses the castle ruins as a venue in August.