Castles in the hinterland of Genova

(between Liguria and Piemonte)

The historical backgrounds of "Isola del Cantone" are linked to Campolungo Monastry, from which originates the famous Monastry of "San Michele della Chiusa". Campolungo shows clearly the streep of Scriva river-bed on its left side. It is first mentioned by Pope Innocenzo III°, in His "Papal Bull" dated of April 13, 1213. In a document of 1251 the name ‘Isola’ was used for the first time.

The Spinola family had a powerful and significant role for the entire valley. Isola became part of the great Empire of Obizzino Spinola and officially recognized by the Emperor Enrico VII°. In 1370 Nicolò III° Spinola built two Castles: the first named 'Cantone' on the right side of the Scrivia river, the second, in a closed area called 'Piano', had the role of a ‘Residential Palace’.

Historical events of this period are the Mariner's Republics, And Genova was one of the greatest and powerful harbour. In 1396 new agreements have been obtained by Nicolò III° with The Republic of Genova. By the end of the century and mostly after the Napoleon Decree in 1797 on the suppression of feuds, the 'Castle of Cantone’ loosed its importance and it was sold in 1819 to local families which totally changed its original aspect. The ‘Residential Palace’ called 'Castle of Piano', bought during the last century by Michele Mignacco still shows its original structure together with the little Church and its typical feudal surroundings. It was restored throughout years by Eng. Luigi Mignacco, by Mr. Lorenzo Disma Rivara and in the XX° century by his son Eng. Luigi Rivara, last owner of the Castle together with his daughter Maria Linda Rivara.