Located on a hill overlooking the village, the castle of Monte Ursino offers a spectacular panoramic view of the coast and the hinterland. It was built in the 12th century and it is a great and well-preserved example of medieval military architecture.
Its strategic position allowed it to control the surrounding territory and defend the village from enemy attacks with its mighty walls and watchtowers. Inside the walls, there are the remains of buildings and structures used by the soldiers and inhabitants of the castle and, during the Middle Ages, the castle was the scene of numerous historical events and battles.
Today, the Monte Ursino Castle is open to the public and is a must-see for anyone visiting Noli. In addition to exploring the ruins and admiring the view, visitors can take guided tours that tell the story of the castle and the medieval village but getting there is the best part: you can hike to the top from the village city center and explore the woods nearby while having a great view on the coast.
Noli’s romanesque church instead dates back to the 11th century and it is also one of the main monuments of Noli. Inside the church, you can admire frescoes and works of art of great historical and artistic value.
Furthermore, Noli has four medieval towers that characterize the village and the Torre dei Quattro Canti is the main one, a symbol of the power and importance of the town in the Middle Ages.
Built in the 13th century, the tower takes its name from the quattro canti which means ‘four corners’ of the village which it dominates.
It is a massive and robust structure that served defensive and sighting purposes as well. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village and the Ligurian coast, which, back in the Middle Ages, allowed you to spot any approaching enemies.
Today, the tower is one of the main tourist attractions in Noli and represents a tangible testimony to the history and medieval architecture of the village. Visitors can explore the tower and immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of Noli, while admiring the breathtaking panorama that opens up from its summit.
The Cathedral of San Paragorio is one of the architectural jewels of Noli and represents an important example of Romanesque art in Liguria. Built in the 11th century, the cathedral is dedicated to San Paragorio, a Christian martyr. Its imposing structure and internal decorations testify to the religious and cultural importance of the village during the Middle Ages.
The cathedral has a simple but elegant façade, with a decorated portal and a series of blind arches that enrich its appearance. The interior has three naves, separated by stone columns that support round arches. The ceiling is made of wooden trusses, typical of Romanesque churches.
Last but not least, Noli has also the best ice-cream parlor I have ever tried and a highly awarded ice-cream maker. Such ice-cream place with over thirty homemade flavors which also recall the products of our territory such as chinotto (Ligurian citrus) flavor, rose and lavender, Ligurian mulberry and local chestnut pie ‘castagnaccio.’
