The round village of Varese Ligure.
In the heart of the Alta Val di Vara, in the province of La Spezia, lies one of the most charming villages in Liguria: Varese Ligure. Its historic center, and in particular Piazza Fieschi, is a masterpiece of medieval urban planning, surprising for its elliptical shape and the vibrant colors of the surrounding houses.
The houses in Piazza Fieschi are arranged in a circle, following an architectural plan conceived in the 13th century by the Fieschi counts, lords of the place. The goal was to create a defensive and functional settlement, where the homes clustered around a central square. On the ground floor, under the arched porticoes, were warehouses and shops, while the upper floors housed the village families.
The facades of the houses are painted in pastel colors, from pink to yellow, from green to blue, creating a fairytale and welcoming atmosphere. This architectural rainbow is not just aesthetic: it reflects the history and culture of the community, making every corner of the square a photo opportunity and a dive into the past.
Walking among these houses is like entering a living painting. The cobbled streets, porticos, and intimate squares offer romantic and evocative views. At the center of the village, the Fieschi Castle dominates the scene, a silent witness to centuries of history and now a venue for cultural events and exhibitions.
Piazza Fieschi is not only a place to admire, but also to experience. Markets, festivals, and gatherings take place here, enlivening village life and strengthening the residents' sense of belonging. It is a place where time seems to have stood still, yet where the vitality of the community is more present than ever.
Visiting Piazza Fieschi means immersing yourself in the most authentic Liguria, where architectural beauty blends with history and everyday life. A perfect example of how the past can dialogue with the present, inspiring and moving everyone who passes by.

Have you ever visited Varese Ligure? What struck you most about this enchanting village?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 28.

If you want to see all the photos taken in Varese that afternoon but also previously click here:

Where is the square located:

Commissioned by the Fieschi family for the control and defence of the Varese area, it is made up of identical stone houses arranged along the perimeter which, with an elliptical shape, enclose the two main squares (Piazza Fieschi and Piazza Castello), where the commercial activities, warehouses and laboratories were located in the porticoes below.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

The colored houses of Piazza Fieschi in Varese Ligure – Les maisons colorées de la Piazza Fieschi à Varese Ligure – Las coloridas casas de Piazza Fieschi en Varese Ligure – As casas coloridas da Piazza Fieschi em Varese Ligure – Die bunten Häuser der Piazza Fieschi in Varese Ligure – Những ngôi nhà đầy màu sắc của Quảng trường Fieschi ở Varese Ligure

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://tuttonotizie.eu/2025/06/16/il-borgo-piu-rotondo-ditalia-e-in-liguria-case-colorate-si-abbracciano-tra-loro/