Campo Ligure

History

The place name refers to a 3rd-century AD Roman fortified settlement built during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, reinforced by the Byzantines in the 6th century. The first parish, San Michele, is probably dating back to the 10th century. Between the 12th and 13th century various families led the administration of Campo, until the year 1329, when it becomes a small fief within the Holy Roman Empire, surrounded by the territory of the Republic of Genoa.

In July 1600 the Republic of Genoa increased control of the small enclave, banishing any local opposition to its rule. In the 18th century the town saw a gradual buildup of manufacturing activities (iron production and processing, silk spinning mills, paper mills, lime pits, forestry and agriculture), as well as the birth of the republican municipality, which joined the Ligurian Republic in 1797.

In 1805 the town, then called Campo Freddo, was included in the French Empire of Napoleon I; after the 1815 Congress of Vienna it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

In 1884 the village's name was changed from Campo Freddo (derived from “feudo” -fief- or possibly the German word “frei” -free- ) to Campo Ligure. That year also saw the opening of the first goldsmith shop dedicated to filigree.

Main sights

Castle, built by the Spinola family of Genoa since 1309

Palazzo Spinola. Built in the 14th century, it was enlarged in 1693

Medieval bridge on the Stura river. The original structure dated to the 9th century, but it was rebuilt several times starting from the 18th century.