Castello sul Mare di Rapallo
Rising straight from the Ligurian Sea on a slender promontory, Rapallo's 16th-century castle is one of the most photographed silhouettes on the entire Riviera di Levante. Its honey-coloured walls glow amber at sunset, and a short causeway walk puts you close enough to hear the waves slapping the foundations.
A fortress born from pirate raids
Built between 1551 and 1559 on the orders of the Republic of Genoa, the castle was a direct response to devastating Barbary pirate attacks that had left Rapallo in ruins. The squat, square tower and sea-facing bastions were engineered to spot enemy galleys long before they reached shore.
Inside, the castle hosts rotating art and photography exhibitions, so the interior changes with every visit. Even if the gallery is closed, the external walkway around the promontory offers uninterrupted views of the gulf and the pastel-painted lungomare behind you.
Making the most of your visit
Arrive in the late afternoon when the tour groups thin out and the light turns golden — the castle-and-sea composition becomes almost absurdly beautiful. Bring a wide-angle lens or use your phone's panorama mode to capture the full arc of the bay.
The causeway itself is a pleasant five-minute stroll from the central Piazza delle Nazioni Unite. Combine the visit with a gelato from one of the bars on the lungomare and linger until the castle's floodlights flick on after dark.
More of Rapallo
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Rapallo →
