The small medieval village of Apricale rises 273 meters above sea level in the Nervia Valley, in the hinterland of western Liguria. Its fortunate position is the origin of its name “apricus,” meaning sunny, but its main feature is the scenic appearance of the town—a sinuous cascade of ancient stone houses stretched along the ridge of a steep slope dominated by the Castello della Lucertola.
Castello della Lucertola, Apricale
The Castle, built on a rocky outcrop in the 10th century and formerly a defensive bulwark of the Counts of Ventimiglia, subsequently became the property of the Doria family and later the House of Savoy. Following a period of decline, it was acquired by the Municipality of Apricale, which restored it to its ancient dignity; the main hall and the garden are now utilized for exhibitions, events, and receptions.
Getting Married in the Castello della Lucertola in Apricale, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy
To marry in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy by organizing a wedding in the castle at Apricale will allow for the experience of the most beautiful day as if in a timeless fairy tale. Its fortunate position is the origin of its name, “apricus,” meaning sunny, yet its principal characteristic remains the spectacular appearance of the town, a sinuous cascade of ancient stone houses stretching along the ridge of a steep slope dominated by the Castello della Lucertola.
The History of the Castle
There is a mysterious lizard that gives its name to the Castle of Apricale, a location on the border with France classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. This metal reptile was found in the stone circle at Pian dei Re, where, according to legend, the King of the Celts stopped to rest. Fantastic stories are told within the walls of this completely restored Castle, such as that of the “trumpeter of Apricale,” a soldier of General Custer and the sole survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or those staged in Apricale by the brilliant set designer Emanuele Luzzati. One remains truly enchanted listening to these tales while savoring delicious zero-kilometer specialties during a lunch set up in the Castle’s hanging garden, in the banquet hall, or in the Castle dungeons. Here, there are tales of mysterious ghosts that at night… But that is another story!