With a rented vehicle, you can explore the small villages of the Ligurian hinterland comfortably and safely
If you are looking for the true medieval charm of the Ligurian hinterland, Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is one of the small villages you really must not miss. Defined as the sentinel village of Val Neva, Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena takes its name from the ancient fortress that dominates the village and clings to a large rock spur. Situated at 420 m on the slopes of Rocca Barbena, a mountain in the Ligurian Pre-Alps, and inhabited by less than 150 people, Castelvecchio has managed to maintain perfect autonomy over the centuries; in fact, it is the same village as what you would ideally find hundreds of years ago.
Some historical background
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena was founded by the Marquises of Clavesana in the 12th century. Its importance waned with the rise of the Del Carretto family and the foundation of the neighbouring fief of Zuccarello in the 14th century. The Clavesana village then lost its autonomy and ended up being part of the territories belonging to the powerful Del Carretto family. Between 1623 and 1624, the Savoy acquired the village, and kept it in their rule until 1672, but when after a long battle they lost it to the Republic of Genova. In 1815 Castelvecchio became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
What to see in Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
One of the best ways to explore the Ligurian hinterland is to rent a vehicle. Thanks to modernity , you can hire a car within the wink of an eye . Hiring a vehicle gives you the ability to travel in a in a manner suited to your needs, preferences and style.Castelvecchio is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and still retains its medieval charm . The houses, clinging to the hillside around the castle, fit into the tangling of alleys and ancient streets. A visit to the village starts in Piazza della Torre. This is where executions used to take place, and for this reason it is also known as the Piazza della Forca. On one side you can see the medieval tower, on the other the Oratory of St Mary Magdalene. Continuing towards the lower part, you will come across the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. Following the path leading to the cemetery, you can then find the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie. However, the most representative building in Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is certainly the castle. Today the fortress is privately owned and cannot be visited, but we still recommend a walk to the castle. From the knoll on which it stands, it is indreed an admirable a breathtaking landscape
