Ancient stones. The historic centre of Soldano

Origins and Identity of Castrum Soldani

The historic centre of Soldano still retains the unspoilt charm of a medieval fortified settlement, a compact cluster of fortified houses, which stood along the ancient route linking the sea and the mountains, in the picturesque Verbone Valley. The first reliable records of the village date back to the Late Middle Ages, when it was known as ‘Castrum Soldani’, a defensive settlement likely established to protect against the raids of Saracen pirates who ravaged the Ligurian coast.

The oldest document in which the name Soldano appears dates back to 1257 and is held at the State Archives of Genoa: it is a notarial deed attesting to the sale of a plot of land situated “ad castrum Soldanum”.  The precise origin of the place name is uncertain and remains shrouded in mystery to this day, adding to the charm of the village’s history.

Medieval


architecture and town planning The village is built against a rocky outcrop, which rises from the valley floor—where the Verbone stream flows—towards the “Cima”, the highest point. The medieval town layout is still clearly recognisable today: a solid cluster of stone houses that cluster together and overlook the ‘caruggi’, narrow streets that criss-cross the heart of the village. Here, it is natural to let yourself be guided by the desire to discover, one by one, the small squares, the stone arches and the covered passageways – typical features of the Ligurian villages of yesteryear.

The heart of the village and the ancient gates

The heart of the historic centre centres on the main Via San Mauro, a narrow lane nestled amongst the village’s oldest houses. Here we find traces of the two entrance gates: the southern gate, which once opened onto the countryside and now leads to Piazza San Giovanni Battista, and the northern gate, where the original hinges are still clearly visible – a detail that bears witness to centuries of village life. Soldano reveals a history of slow and steady growth, where daily life and the need to defend the territory have, over time, intertwined with the ingenuity of the people and their determination to preserve the existing heritage. Strolling through its narrow streets is like taking a journey back in time, discovering a village that has remained surprisingly authentic. Among the narrow alleys of the historic centre, one can still sense the atmosphere of an ancient village, where every stone speaks of history and memory and invites you to explore it at a leisurely pace, step by step.