Destination
A castle nestled between the rocks and the Ligurian Sea
Location
Canevaro Castle is situated to the west of Spiaggione and overlooks Zoagli’s main square, which has recently been redeveloped and made entirely pedestrianised, making it particularly welcoming for families and visitors. From here, the two historic seafront promenades branch off, heading east and west, and have been offering picturesque views of the Ligurian coast for over a century.
Zoagli
The settlements in Zoagli date back to the time of the ancient Ligurians, whilst the Romans left traces that are still visible today, such as the ancient Via Aurelia on the hills. In the Middle Ages, the village was under the rule of the Fieschi family of Lavagna.
During the Republic of Genoa, the women of the village worked at looms whilst the men sailed, giving rise to the famous “velours de Gênes”, a fabric in demand throughout Europe and depicted in Van Dyck’s paintings.
Zoagli was severely affected during the Second World War: on 27 December 1943, the bombing of the railway bridge caused 53 civilian casualties and the destruction of much of the village and half of Castello Canevaro. To fund the reconstruction, Raffaele IV, Duke of Zoagli, had to sell
significant family properties, including the palace on the Lungarni in Florence (now the US Consulate) and the villa in Forte dei Marmi.
Historic sites and monuments
The walks and the seafront
The promenades carved into the rock above the sea offer spectacular views. The Admiral Napoleone Canevaro Promenade is famous worldwide for its romantic atmosphere. The western section, which is shorter, winds its way past small beaches to an imposing cliff. The best way to explore the coast is to hire a boat.
The towers
The two towers that once defended the bay can still be seen today:
- the Saracen Tower, to the east, restored by the local council and used for civil ceremonies
- the Duke’s Tower, to the west, an integral part of the castle since the 18th century
The beaches
The beaches at Zoagli are mainly pebbly, with stretches of dark sand and crystal-clear waters.
Along the cliffs there are secluded coves, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet
Rooms & Suites
Castello Canevaro offers elegant rooms and suites equipped with every comfort to accommodate the bride and groom’s families and friends.