In Camogli, the sea is a constant presence. You can feel it in the changing light over the bay and in the outline of the houses overlooking the water.
In this balance between land and sea, the silhouette of the Dragonara Castle rises, quiet and steadfast.
From Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi, the eye naturally follows the curve of the shoreline until it meets this stone sentinel, which for centuries has marked the boundary where the village yields to the open horizon.
The Dragonara Castle in Camogli
Dragonara Castle dates back to the 13th century, a period when the defence of the port and access to the bay were fundamental for the village. Its position on the promontory allowed it to control the stretch of sea in front of Camogli and to guard the entrance to the village, protecting the life and trade that unfolded along the shore.
Over time, the structure has been consolidated without changing its original layout. It has remained an integral part of the Camogli landscape, closely tied to the village’s history and its position on the promontory. Even today, the castle defines the point where the village ends, and the sea opens up beyond the bay.
Today, the castle remains one of the most recognisable landmarks of Camogli, not so much for its history, but for the way it settles into the landscape, between the line of houses and the horizon.
From the Castle, a view of Camogli
Dragonara Castle can be reached on foot from the centre, after a brief uphill walk that blends seamlessly into the fabric of the village and its seafront. It is not an isolated destination, but part of the path that leads to the edge of the bay.
The light changes its appearance throughout the day: in the morning, the sea is brighter, while in the evening, the houses along the bay take on warmer tones. From here, Camogli appears in its most recognisable form, between the coastline and the horizon.
In the winter months, the same climb and the view of the village feel even more peaceful, in a quieter and more intimate town.
Staying in Camogli
Camogli thrives on subtle balances: the constant dialogue between the sea and the pastel-colored houses, the architecture that follows the contours of the rock, the discreet signs of a seafaring history. The Dragonara Castle is the centrepiece of this story, a presence that does not dominate the village but defines its deepest identity.
At the Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi, this scenery is not just a view to admire, but the silent backdrop that accompanies every moment of your stay.
Here, the proximity to the castle and the rhythm of the bay naturally become part of everyday life: it is an invitation to experience time at the pace of the place, rediscovering a natural harmony that needs nothing more than quiet contemplation.