Monleone Castle

The Castle of Monleone: Between History and Ruins

Perched on a hill overlooking the western part of the village, the Castle of Monleone appears for the first time in a decree of the Republic of Genoa dated 1173. Historical tradition attributes its construction to this date, when it was built to defend the territory from enemy incursions. The structure seems to have been erected rapidly, as early as 1174 it was already tested by the attacks of the Malaspina, the Da Passano family, and the Counts of Lavagna—allies of the Pisans.

Centuries of Assaults and Destruction

Over the centuries, the castle suffered numerous attacks. Two particularly critical moments are recorded in 1397 and 1477, during the clashes between the Malaspina family and the Republic of Genoa, which caused irreparable damage. By the mid-18th century, the cartographer Matteo Vinzoni already depicted it as a ruin, a silent witness to the battles and conflicts that shaped the history of the area.

From Ruins to a New Castle

Today, only a few masonry remains survive, including sections of the surrounding walls, bearing witness to centuries of history. At the beginning of the 20th century, within these remains, the Botto De Fornari Castle was built. Still visible today, it is characterized by the Coppedé architectural style, blending past and present into a single, evocative setting.