Castello di San Terenzo
Coastal fortification of the Gulf of Poets, on a spur above the sea at San Terenzo, run by the Musei Nazionali Liguria and open for visits and events.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Castello di San Terenzo stands on a low rocky spur overlooking the sea, dominating the fishing village of San Terenzo in the Gulf of Poets. The origins of the fortification probably go back to the central Middle Ages, when raids by Saracen pirates were frequent along the coasts; the first documented mention dates from 1360, when a castellan of the village is recorded. The present forms are later, and the castle was probably built during the 15th century, perhaps by the inhabitants themselves.
The complex has a first pentagonal curtain wall with three corner turrets fitted with loopholes, while in the innermost part stands a massive polygonal structure with a crenellated tower about ten metres high. It was part of the defensive system developed by the Republic of Genoa in the Gulf of La Spezia between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, facing the more imposing fortress of Lerici.
Between the 19th and 20th centuries the castle was converted into barracks for sailors, soldiers and the Guardia di Finanza (financial police), and at the beginning of the 20th century it served as a searchlight station for the defence of the gulf. After recent restorations it is managed by the Direzione regionale Musei Nazionali Liguria and hosts visits, events, exhibitions and cultural programmes.
Highlights
- Pentagonal curtain wall with three turrets and loopholes
- Crenellated tower and polygonal inner structure
- Seafront position in the Gulf of Poets
- Seafront promenade to the fortress of Lerici
- Founded
- 1500
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei Nazionali Liguria (Ministero della Cultura)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 3,202
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
Free admission: Free openings on special days (for example 4 November), according to the calendar of the Ministry of Culture.
Tickets are paid via PagoPA.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
San Terenzo
From La Spezia Centrale station by ATC bus to the San Terenzo stop (about 30 minutes), then along the seafront towards the west.
By car
Parking available
Parking in the area of Via Giacomo Matteotti, then on foot.
The castle is linked to the fortress of Lerici by a seafront promenade and, in summer, by a boat service.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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