The centuries-old fortress tucked away in Italy's tiniest village

Perched on a hill above the quaint village of Vobbia, in the Liguria region of Italy, lies a centuries-old fortress known as Castello della Pietra. Overlooked by travelers and even locals, this castle not only boasts a rich history, but also remains shrouded in mystery. Its original construction date is lost to time, but some records suggest it may date back to the 1100s or even earlier. Built as a defensive stronghold for the wealthy Spinola family, who ruled the area during the Middle Ages, the castle has seen numerous changes of ownership over the centuries.

It was seized by outlaws, reclaimed by the Genoa Senate, and eventually annexed to the feudal estate of Pallavicino. The castle has been held by various families, with the Adorno family gaining ownership in the 1500s. Today it is a national monument in Italy and managed by the Ente Parco dell'Antola, open for guided tours on Mondays from Easter to the end of October, as well as on weekdays with prior arrangement. The castle can be reached by foot through a path in the woods or through a longer path starting from the frazione Torre di Vobbia.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons