Castello della Dragonara

Medieval fortress on the promontory above the harbour

The Castello della Dragonara occupies the rocky promontory above Camogli's harbour, commanding views along the Ligurian coast in both directions. The current structure is a 19th-century reconstruction on much older foundations — a defensive tower existed here from at least the 12th century, built to watch for Saracen raids. The battlemented silhouette against the painted houses below is the classic Camogli postcard view.

Today the castle hosts temporary art exhibitions and cultural events in summer. Opening hours vary by season; check locally before making it the centrepiece of your day. Even when closed, the walk around the base of the promontory on the sea wall is well worth doing, giving you the best view of the painted facade of the houses rising sheer from the water.

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A story
The castle takes its name from the Ligurian word for dragon — local legend held that a dragon lived in the sea caves beneath the promontory. The structure was rebuilt in the 19th century as a neo-medieval summer residence by a Genoese nobleman, and then served as a German defensive position during the Second World War before falling into neglect. The Municipio of Camogli took it over in the 1990s and restored it for exhibitions.