Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena: the Limbo of Liguria
If you're looking for a place with ancient charm that seems to have been frozen in time, then we recommend visiting Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena (or "Castrevëgio" in the Ligurian language). This small town in Liguria, with its 127 inhabitants, is located in the province of Savona and stretches along the southern slopes of Rocca Barbena and Monte Lingo.
Physical Geography
The territory of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena develops along the Neva stream and is crossed by the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. We recommend not to miss the two mountain passes of Colle Scravaion (820 m a.s.l.) and Colle San Bernardo (957 m a.s.l.) as it is possible to reach the Neva stream valley, the Bormida valley, and the Tanaro valley.
History
The origins of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena date back to the 1st century AD and are attested by the findings of the "necropolis of Erli" in the locality of Cascina d'Aglio. However, the village gained feudal importance from the 12th century, under the marquisate of Clavesana.
In the 14th century, the village lost its importance due to the foundation of the nearby Zuccarello fiefdom, which absorbed its territories. In 1326, during the fight between Enrico del Carretto and the marquis Federico I Clavesana for the possession of the marquisate, Castelvecchio became the residence of the Carretto family, and subsequently, the Marquisate residence.
The issue was only resolved with the foundation of the Marquisate of Zuccarello by Carlo I del Carretto in 1397, in which Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena became part of until its extinction. In 1624, the village was bought by the House of Savoy and remained under its control until 1672, when the Republic of Genoa occupied the Neva valley.
Contemporary Era
The Republic of Genoa exercised control over Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena until 1797, when Liguria was annexed to the First French Empire. In 1815, the village was included in the Kingdom of Sardinia and later in the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
The Castle of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
The castle of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, located at the top of the village, offers a breathtaking view of the Neva valley and the surrounding mountains. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was reconstructed in the following decades. Today, it houses the Ethnographic Museum of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, where you can discover the history and local culture firsthand.
The cuisine of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is famous for its production of oil and wine. If you want to taste typical Ligurian cuisine, we recommend trying the focaccia, pesto gnocchi, and almond-based desserts. Also, we suggest tasting local wines like Rossese di Dolceacqua, Pigato, and Vermentino.
In conclusion, if you want to spend a day immersed in history and nature, Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is the right place for you. Visit the castle, discover local culture at the Ethnographic Museum, admire the surrounding mountains, and savor typical Ligurian cuisine. We assure you that you won't be disappointed!
