Castello della Lucertola

The Castello della Lucertola crowns Apricale's stone-built village. The former stronghold of the counts of Ventimiglia was repeatedly altered before restoration for the Museo della Storia di Apricale.

Why it matters

The castle links the history of local lordship with the community's own documentary and artistic memory. Its museum brings together material relating to the village, its medieval statutes and figures associated with its later history.

What to notice

The former quadrangular castle tower became the parish church's bell tower. A retaining wall encloses the hanging garden, adding a later landscaped element to the fortified site. The museum includes photographs, documents associated with Apricale's communal history and material relating to Cristina Bellomo della Torre and cavalry officer Giulio Nobile.

Context and history

The castle's origins are traced to around the tenth century. It passed to the Doria in 1276 and was destroyed by the Grimaldi of Monaco in 1523–1524 before rebuilding. Subsequent changes included Savoy control, renewed Doria ownership and sale to Stefano Cassini in 1806. Municipal acquisition and restoration eventually gave the complex its role in preserving the village's history.