Ruins of Doria Tower

Ruins of Doria Tower in Vernazza are the remains of a 12th-century medieval fortress built to defend the village from pirate attacks. Located on a steep cliff above Vernazza, the ruins offer spectacular panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea, the colorful village, and the coastline. It is one of the oldest surviving fortifications in Cinque Terre and one of the most visited landmarks in the village.

The fortress included walls, several towers, and defensive structures, but over time, much of it was destroyed or eroded by the elements. Today, the watchtower and some ruins of the old fortress are all that remain. The tower is one of the oldest surviving fortifications in Cinque Terre. It was part of a fortified castle complex built in the 12th century by the Republic of Genoa. Its main purpose was to protect Vernazza from Saracen pirates, who frequently raided coastal villages during the Middle Ages.