CASTLES and FORTIFICATIONS

The sites of power and the military architecture of Finale. An adventure between fortified residences and medieval castles, Spanish fortresses and towers defending the coast.

IMPORTANT SITES

The “diamond tower” in Gavone Castle is one of the most prestigious examples of European renaissance buildings with both residential and military functions.

The Diamond Tower

The Diamond Tower

In Finale there are still two large fortresses built by the Spanish in the 17th century: Castelfranco, projected on the sea between Finalmarina and Finalpia, and Castel San Giovanni, above Finalborgo.

Castelfranco in Finalmarina

Castelfranco in Finalmarina

Castel San Giovanni was built by the Spanish in the 17th century and is characterised by impressive pincer walls: from its terraces there is a wonderful view of Finalborgo, the surrounding valleys and the sea. It fits perfectly into the hillside above the town and it can be reached with a five-minute walk along the ancient Beretta road.

Castel San Giovanni

Castel San Giovanni

Spanish fortifications

In Finale there are still two large fortresses built by the Spanish in the 17th century: Castelfranco, projected on the sea between Finalmarina and Finalpia, and Castel San Giovanni, above Finalborgo.

Castelfranco in Finalmarina

Castelfranco in Finalmarina

Castel San Giovanni was built by the Spanish in the 17th century and is characterised by impressive pincer walls: from its terraces there is a wonderful view of Finalborgo, the surrounding valleys and the sea. It fits perfectly into the hillside above the town and it can be reached with a five-minute walk along the ancient Beretta road.

Castel San Giovanni

Castel San Giovanni

Coastal watchtowers

On the Caprazoppa ridge, set against the sea, in the Spanish period a watchtower was built on top of the cliff.

The Caprazoppa tower

The Caprazoppa tower

On the cape of San Donato, in a stunning environment set against the sea between Finalpia and Varigotti, there is a small tower that was part of a system of watchtowers built along the coast to protect the area against barbaric invasions...

The San Donato tower

The San Donato tower

Atop the promontory of Varigotti, above punta Crena, a short squared based tower is preserved, set to control the stretch of sea between Noli and Finale.

Tower of Varigotti

Tower of Varigotti

Map of the Castles and Fortifications