Two ruined medieval castles guard the approaches to the San Giacomo pass toward Finale Ligure: the Castello del Carruggio and the Castello del Miele. Both were strongholds of the Del Carretto family, lords of Mallare from the 12th century until the territory passed to the Monferrato marquisate in 1393.
The ruins are not spectacular — these were military outposts, not grand residences — but the setting on the ridgeline above the valley rewards the walk. From the higher ground you can see across to the coastal plain and understand why the pass was worth defending.