Riomaggiore Castle

Built in the Middle Ages, today it is an accessible space that allows visitors to experience the village from a different perspective than the main streets.

The castle dates back to the 13th century and was built for defensive purposes, at a time when raids from the sea were a constant threat to coastal villages. Its elevated position made it possible to visually control both the coastline and the inland area.

Over the centuries, the structure has been modified and adapted, but it still preserves significant elements of the original layout, such as the perimeter walls and semicircular towers.

The area was later restored and made accessible, transforming it from a defensive structure into a public space.

Today, Riomaggiore Castle is an open area used both as a panoramic viewpoint and as a venue for cultural events. Its position makes it particularly suitable for small-scale events, while preserving an atmosphere that feels closely connected to the village setting.

Inside, visitors can:

• visit the permanent exhibition “Cinque Terre, a Human Landscape”, dedicated to the relationship between territory and community;
• experience the Manario VR Experience, an immersive virtual reality journey through the area between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

The castle also hosts events throughout the year, including cultural programmes and talks, such as “Castello di Parole”, small concerts and local initiatives. Thanks to its location and compact spaces, it is also used as a venue for private events and conferences.

A visit to the castle is short and can easily be included in a walking itinerary through the village. For a more pleasant visit, it is best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there are fewer visitors.

How to get there

On foot: from the railway station, walk through the tunnel and reach Via Colombo, the main street. Walk uphill through the village and follow the signs for the castle, taking the side stairways until you reach the square in front of the castle.

By lift: from the railway station, walk through the pedestrian tunnel towards the village centre. At the exit, keep left, where you will find a public lift connecting the station area with the upper part of the village. The lift takes you near the Church of San Giovanni Battista; from there, follow the signs to the castle and continue on foot for about 2-3 minutes.