Castle of Monte Arioso

Faint remains of a thirteenth-century castle crown the ridge above Testico. Not much is left — a few sections of wall, foundations softened by centuries of weather — but the site itself is worth the short walk for the panorama over the two valleys.

This was a frontier outpost in its day, controlling movement along the inland ridge route. Once you see the view, the choice of location makes obvious sense.

things to do sight ruin
A story
From this ridge the bishops of Albenga controlled traffic between the Merula and Lerrone valleys, until they sold the castle and the village to the Doria of Oneglia in 1398. Napoleon's troops took the same high ground in 1796 — the strategic logic of the position outlived its lord.