Levanto Castle, Levanto, Italy

The Castle of Levanto used to be part of the former defensive system of Levanto, the city walls, dating back to the 12th century, when the region was under the rule of the Malaspina family. The castle and the walls have been repeatedly mentioned in sundry historical documents, such that what is certain is the caste was extensively renovated during the 16th century. During the 17th century, the edifice was used as headquarters of the Captaincy of Levanto, but it was also used as prison under the rule of the Genovese.

Architecturally speaking, the castle consists of a square-based structure and an imposing circular tower. There are all sorts of decorative motifs which embellish the complex, of which the most notable are the ones reminiscent of the historical conflict between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, as well as two bas-reliefs: one depicting the Annunciation and the other rendering Saint George defeating the Dragon.

Despite the fact the castle is at present a private property, it is a notable tourist sight in Levanto no visitor of Cinque Terre should miss out.

References:

cinque-terre-tourism.com

Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Jan Wissing (2 years ago)
Looks exiting from a distance. When we came closer, it was a private property. No entrance!

Simone Bova (6 years ago)
Old and impressive

Carlos Alberto Granda Camacho (6 years ago)
Nice

Denise Kathryn Lindsay (7 years ago)
Easy walk up the hill. We couldn't go in. Possibly just temporary construction? The outside is worth a look and some pictures, though, as it is not far from town. Only about a 10 minute walk from the center.

Levanto Castle

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Beckov Castle