Castello amid woodland and history

Castello between hiking trail and historic center

The Carro–Castello–Cannate–Valdiamaro–Craviola hiking trail is 8.2 km long, takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, and has 415 m of descent and 240 m of ascent. The precise route provides a good basis if you would like to combine a hike with exploring the village.

The trail crosses the SIC Rio di Agnola and then climbs uphill to Castello. It subsequently leaves Castello through the Valle delle Cannate and passes through an impressive, untouched woodland. If you would like to experience nature and local history together while hiking, you can use this route as a guide for planning your day.

The route from Castello reaches the village of Craviola, which lies within the SIC of Parco della Magra-Vara. The SIC Rio di Agnola is also located in the access area to Castello, a streamside habitat that is significant for its population of yellow-bellied toads and several invertebrates protected under EU law. For those interested in nature, these habitats are an independent aspect to consider when choosing a destination.

Church, carruggio and stone details

The parish church of San Giorgio in Castello contains significant frescoes and has an imposing, very old organ. Its façade bears a marble depiction of Saint George killing the dragon. The church therefore brings together several distinct testimonies: the frescoes, the organ and the image on the exterior façade.

In Castello’s historic center, you will find interesting sandstone portals. There are also apotropaic sandstone faces known as facion. The historic townscape also includes a long carruggio lined with houses.

Historic traces and an annual event

Castello was named after the castle with which the village was equipped. Historically, Castello in the Val di Vara was an old starting point of Este rule, which later passed to the Malaspina family. Today’s Church of San Giorgio was built on the remains of a demolished Fieschi castle. The former fortification of Castello was once intended to ensure the security of the valley.

The festival in honor of Saint George takes place in Castello every year on April 24.

For planning your accommodation, it is therefore worthwhile to make a clear choice of focus. If you would primarily like to spend the day outdoors, base your plans on the hiking and nature theme described above; if historic details are your priority, organize your time around the historic center and church. This keeps your choice of where to stay aligned with your interests without reducing Castello’s character to just one facet.

Other places for your travel planning include Arcola, Bovecchio, Vernazza, Brugnato, Casale, Bracelli, Isola and Le Grazie.

For the overarching travel overview: La Spezia.