CINQUE TERRE IS A FAMOUS area of the Italian Riviera along the coast of Liguria. The rugged and mountainous terrain that makes up this coast creates many promontories and inlets. A medieval fortress known as Doria Castle (Castello Doria) stands on top of a rocky ridge near the village of Vernazza.

The first nucleus of the fortress was dedicated during the 11th century by the Obertenghi, a Frankish noble family that ruled the area. The cylindrical tower that is still present to this day is the oldest part of the fortress, while later additions were made over the course of many centuries by various families and countries that held power over the Cinque Terre.