Built in the 13th century by order of the Marquis Turcotti, Lord of Ripalta, this square based castle overlooks the sea. Over the years, there were numerous renovations and in the 19th century, the castle was even used as a cemetery.
It is now used for cultural events and indeed, it was being set up for a wedding on the day we visited.
(Source:Cinque Terre Tourism)
While the views from the castle were nice and the admission fee is low, this would not be high on my list of things to do. There is a small chapel inside and the Oratory of Saint Rocco sits just across the courtyard from the entrance.
The castle
Small chapel inside the castle
Views from the castle
Outside the castle on a bench in the shade of the Oratory, sits a local man, Andrea, who walks the short distance from his home every day to sit and chat with tourists….women tourists. I have no doubt that he is lonely and that he does impart some historic wisdom to those he speaks with, but I would advise those who share a seat with him to be cautious. It would seem his idea of personal space may be a little different from that of many others. Ciao.
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kagould17
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career forā¦ā¦retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my āto-doā hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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PhotoblographyToo 
The views from the castle, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Italy, are simply superb! Thanks for sharing, Allan and have a good day. Aiva
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The coastal view was indeed splendid. Thanks for reading Aiva. Allan
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Wonderful view shots! š
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Thanks Lynette. It was a great view, for sure. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Worth the climb for the views rather than the company!
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The view was great. So glad we spent our last day in Rio, getting to know the town. Our friend Andrea will give us something to chuckle over for years to come. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
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