Lerici Castle

Castle in Lerici

The commanding castle perched atop a rugged promontory watches over the town of Lerici, its origins dating back to the mid-200s during the era of maritime republics and the ongoing rivalry between Pisa and Genoa.

Originally constructed by the Pisans, the castle took its form in the midst of a conflict with Genoa. In 1256, Genoa emerged victorious and fortified the village, further enhancing the castle’s defenses with the construction of a formidable pentagonal tower. As time elapsed, the castle weathered the centuries and stands today, its external walls largely preserved through recent restoration efforts. The petite Gothic chapel, Santa Anastasia, also endures in admirable condition.

Within the castle’s walls, the Palaeontology Museum, established in 1998, houses an extensive collection of fossil discoveries predominantly sourced from the regions of Spezzino and Lunigiana. The museum’s offerings extend to a comprehensive assortment of minerals.

Should geopaleontology not pique your interest, fret not: the castle proffers an awe-inspiring panorama of the Gulf of Poets—a sight to behold!

To reach this vantage point, you have a choice: ascend the 168-step staircase following a stroll through the historic alleys, or opt for the convenient lift that effortlessly transports you to the castle’s heights.

The Lerici Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lerici!

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Visiting Lerici Castle

Hours:

Winter (from 20 October to 15 March)

Tuesday to Friday: 10.30a.m – 12.30a.m

Saturday, Sunday and the Christmas Period from 26 December to 6 January: 10.30a.m- 12.30a.m / 14.30p.m – 17.30p.m

Closed on Monday

Spring (from 16 March to 30 June)

Tuesday to Sunday and holidays: 10.30a.m- 13.00 p.m / 14.30 p.m- 18.00 p.m

Closed on Monday

Summer (from 1 of July to 31 August)

Tuesday to Sunday and holidays: 10.30a.m – 12.30a.m / 18.30p.m- 24.00p.m

Closed on Monday

Autumn (from 1 of September to 19 October)

Tuesday to Sunday and holidays: 10.30a.m- 13.00p.m / 14.30p.m – 18.00p.m

Closed on Monday

Address: Castello di Lerici, Piazza S.Giorgio, Lerici, SP, Italy

Duration: 20 minutes

Official Website