Doria Castle, Vernazza
Castello Doria
A medieval watchtower on the rocks west of Vernazza's harbor, with a climb to the top offering views over the harbor and the colorful village.
Doria Castle is the oldest surviving defensive structure in Vernazza, built around the 11th century to keep watch and to resist Saracen pirates. Only a round watchtower and a section of wall remain today. It is about a 5-minute climb up narrow stone stairs from the harbor square, and tickets cost about €1.5–2. The top is a 360-degree viewing platform overlooking the harbor, the Church of Santa Margherita and the whole village, with views north to the Monterosso coast. The tower's interior is small, and climbing it can involve queues in peak season.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–sunset; shorter in winter
Nearby sights
- Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
- Vernazza
- Monterosso al Mare
- Church of San Giovanni Battista, Monterosso
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore
- Corniglia
- Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
- Fegina Beach