Andrea Doria Castle dominates the landscape of Portovenere and overlooks the magical Poet's Gulf. It is an imposing structure with closed sloping walls made of local stone and stands as an outstanding example of the Genoa military architecture. The Castle was built by the Genoese in 1161. In the 1500s, the castle was the residence of the Lord of the Castle. It was defended by a garrison of crossbowmen. www.liguriaguide.com/doria-castle.html