Villafranca Castle and Permanent Exhibition “Munegia Antiga”

The Castle of Villafranca: History Between Walls and Sea

Overlooking the sea in the eastern part of the village, the Castle of Villafranca tells centuries of history and defense. Its origins appear to date back to the 12th century, when it was built to meet the control and protection needs of the Republic of Genoa. Throughout the Middle Ages, the building suffered damage and underwent renovations, and by the mid-16th century the bastion and tower were reinforced to defend the village from the frequent raids of Saracen pirates.

Between Abandonment and Rebirth

After a period of abandonment, the castle was converted into a private residence by the family of paper entrepreneur Luigi Burgo. However, during the Second World War, the building sustained severe damage due to bombardments. Only a recent restoration has restored the castle’s architectural integrity and made it accessible to the public once again, allowing visitors to admire the fusion of history and landscape.

Architecture and Contemporary Functions

The perimeter walls follow the morphology of the terrain, creating a unique pentagonal shape, with walkways and guardhouses still clearly visible. At the center rises the square-plan tower, a symbol of the original defensive function. Today, the castle houses the headquarters of the Felice Romani Study Center, with a thematic library, and the permanent exhibition Munegia Antiga, dedicated to local traditions, the sea, and rural life, transforming the ancient fortress into a living place of culture and memory.