Castello della Dragonara
   Photo: Castello della Dragonara

Castello della Dragonara - one of the most popular tourist attractions in the resort town of Camogli, located on the Ligurian Riviera di Levante. This fortification is in Via Isola. According to some historical documents, the construction of the castle dates from the first half of the 13th century, but reliable information about the exact date of its construction is not to this day.

First Castello della Dragonara, which is likely to have a smaller size was used as an excellent vantage point and fortification - he stood guard over fishing village and that part of the Gulf of Paradise, which lies in front of the cliff. In addition, the inhabitants of the castle Camogli choose their representatives in the government, and could hide inside in case of a surprise attack by pirates.

In the second half of the 14th century Castello della Dragonara for better protection of the inhabitants of the fishing village has been seriously strengthened - the necessary weapons was received from the Senate of the Republic of Genoa. In the same century castle repelled several attacks, although it was partially destroyed - first by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and then, in 1366, the year of Nicolo Fieschi.

Between the 1428th and 1430 m over the years, the castle was enlarged and strengthened again, this time with the help of the inhabitants of Camogli - in particular, the observation tower was built. Despite this, in 1438, the year the structure was subjected to a siege by the troops of the Duchy of Milan, as part of its walls were demolished. A few years later, the inhabitants of Camogli have built new walls, with the money collected for the construction of what is called the world.

After ten years, in 1448, the year, tensions between Camogli neighboring Recco and Genoa began to increase, and the Government of the Republic of Genoa required to demolish the Castello della Dragonara. The castle was destroyed, but just 6 years later was elevated again, again by the residents themselves and handed over to the ruler of the country.

In the 16th century Castello della Dragonara lost its defensive function and was used as a prison. And in 1970, after decades of neglect, the castle was renovated and opened to the public. On its territory is located aquarium with typical Gulf of Paradiso species of fish and shellfish.

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Castello della Dragonara