Tower of Zerli – Castle of Roccamaggiore
Roccamaggiore Castle: The Fortress of the Fieschi
Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the valley below, Roccamaggiore Castle stands as a silent memory of power and strategy. Built by the powerful Fieschi family, the castle is already mentioned in 12th-century documents, highlighting its central role in controlling the valley and its communication routes.
The Tower: An Architectural Masterpiece
At the heart of the structure is the Tower, or “”dongione,”” an advanced example of military architecture for its time. Constructed with perfectly squared stone blocks, often with rusticated faces, the tower demonstrates refined building techniques, the work of highly skilled craftsmen. Only a powerful patronage like that of the Fieschi family could have commissioned such precision and attention to detail.
A Fortified Complex Between History and Destruction
The dongione was part of a larger fortified complex, largely demolished by order of the Republic of Genoa between the 14th and 15th centuries. Despite the destruction, the remaining structures reveal the grandeur of a defensive system that combined strength, technique, and strategic function, reflecting the Fieschi family’s political and military influence during the era.
A Legacy Overlooking the Valley
Today, the ruins of Roccamaggiore Castle offer a unique spectacle, with ancient stones and breathtaking views of the valley below. Walking among the remains allows visitors to immerse themselves in Ligurian medieval history, experiencing the atmosphere of power, ingenuity, and strategy that defined the life of the Fieschi family castles.
Fonti
Dentone M., Lanata I., Mannoni T., Mussi S., “Progetto d’iniziativa regionale. Ecomuseo della memoria”, Regione Liguria, Regione Emilia Romagna, Regione Toscana e Istituto Internazionale di Studi Liguri, Colombo grafiche e Studio cartografico italiano, Genova, 2007;
https://fuorigenova.cittametropolitana.genova.it/linea-di-prodotto/castello-torre-fortificazione
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