| It is a unique structure but its actual date of construction remains an unsolved mystery. The first documents that mention the castle date back to 1252 when the Marquis Gavi gave it to Opizzone della Pietra as well as the Val Vobbia estates. When Guglielmo della Pietra died the stronghold was passed down to the Spinola family up until 1518 because in this year the Adorno family was growing strong. At this time the stronghold was guarded by a castle lord as well as a some soldiers and it also had five bronze cannons. Towards the mid 1500’s Prospero Adorno obtained the investiture and later his brother Gerolamo entered. Then, in 1613 the Emperor Mattia annexed it to the Palalavicino feud in Val Borbera and the castle lost its autonomy. |
In 1797 with the fall of the Imperial Feuds the castle began to decline. It was burnt down and its bronze cannons were melted in order to make the bells of the Crocefieschi church. The remains were property of the Botta Adorno family and later that of the Cubani Bishops and the Beroldo di Vobbia family and this is how Vobbia received its place-name. |
Today the castle has been completely restored and it has maintained its original Medieval shape. It is divided into two structures on the south side, one is higher then the other and it has two sloping roofs as well as a tower. It has three floors and from the 3rd floor you can enter the central room that has a square base and vaulted ceilings. It is a magnificent architectonic masterpiece and it is located on a path that begins on the road from Vobbia that goes to the Isola del Cantone. The stronghold is an awesome symbol of power and the path allows you to admire its breathtaking scenery.
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