Rapallo, the Heart of the Portofino Gulf
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Rapallo, the heart of the Portofino Gulf. March 2017 1 The port of Rapallo: location Rapallo, with its half-moon gulf, is a spectacular coastal town lying between the mountains and the sea in the Ligurian Riviera: visitors from around the world come to Rapallo to experience its natural beauty, cultural resources and rich historical past. It is located on the East Riviera di Levante (East Ligurian Riviera), in the North of Italy just 30 km. East from Genoa. Latitude 44° 21’ N Longitude 9° 14’ E The port of Rapallo is approximately: 16 nautical miles far from Genoa 65 nautical miles far from Leghorn 170 nautical miles far from Civitavecchia 96 nautical miles far from Montecarlo 216 nautical miles far from Marseille 160 nautical miles far from Ajaccio 102 nautical miles far from French Riviera By bus: 30 km far from Genoa 160 km far from Milan 2 The territorial context and general info Thanks to its position right in the centre of the Tigullio Bay, Rapallo enjoys a well deserved fame as a valuable and welcoming tourist resort, a fame that started way back in the second half of the 19th century and that is still alive today. Set among the green coast of Portofino Headland and the rocky reefs that separate Rapallo it from Zoagli, Rapallo offers amazing landscapes from both the coast and the surrounding hill hamlets. Just behind the main town, N.S. di Montallegro Sanctuary is the destination of many pilgrimages coming from any part of Italy, and it can be reached by Liguria’s only cableway which offers a breath-taking view on the whole Bay. A prestigious tourist port, 40 hotels, 2 camping areas, 4 farmhouses, more than 60 restaurants, a dozen beach resorts, many bars and clubs: these are the numbers of a tourist reception that works all year long, thanks to the mild climate that makes Rapallo the ideal choice for pleasant holidays in winter time too, offering a corner of paradise just a few km. away from the foggy Po Valley area. The remarkable Vittorio Veneto promenade, with its long line of palms and the open-air bars overlooking the street, is the elite-room of a town that is vital in every season, thanks to its active social and commercial structure. Moreover, Rapallo offers its visitors and residents many cultural activities as well: the Academies, the International Library, the museums, and the all year long events- schedule of concerts, conferences and exhibitions, all invite to enjoy the lively and never common social life of the town. Finally, many sporting clubs are active at several sports grounds that meet any kind of demands, from the prestigious 18 holes golf course to the swimming complex, gyms and grounds for any discipline. 3 The history Set in a fertile strategically important land, Rapallo has always had a hegemonic role on nearby towns, mainly because of its position controlling the bay and the road to Ruta pass; in 17th century Rapallo’s jurisdiction covered the area from Portofino to Zoagli and up to the inlands, including part of Fontanabuona valley. The village of Pre-Roman origins (Liguri Tigulli people lived here) became part of the protectorate of Genoa during 10th and 11th century, being Genoa’s faithful ally in the fights against the Pisani, the Venetians and the French. In 1550, following the sack and destruction caused by Dragut pirate, who turned many inhabitants into slaves, the castle was built in order to complete the bay’s defensive system together with the fortifications of San Michele di Pagana, Santa Margherita Ligure, Paraggi and Portofino. In the second half of 19th century, the town’s tourist luck began. In late 1917, an Anglo-Franco-Italian conference met at Rapallo following the disastrous Italian defeat at Caporetto. It was decided to create a supreme war council at Versailles and to shift some French and British troops to the Italian front. On November 12, 1920, Italy and the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later renamed Yugoslavia) signed the Treaty of Rapallo, 1920, which resolved the frontier issues between them without reference to the other Allies. Italy acquired the strategically important crest of the Julian Alps as her boundary in the northeast. Also concluded at Rapallo was the Russian-German Treaty of Rapallo of April 1922, in which both countries renounced claims to war reparations and renewed diplomatic relations. This agreement marked the emergence of Russia and Germany from the diplomatic isolation caused by World War I (1914-1918). During World War II numerous partisans from Rapallo were shot by German occupation troops. Rapallo nowadays is a perfect synthesis between tradition and innovation: in the old town, bounded by the railway belt, new streets alternate with the old narrow “carruggi” and modern buildings come together with the ancient fishermen’s houses, restored to their original beauty. The historical centre is a time machine taking back through the ages along narrow alleys, shreds of history, centuries-old porticoes, painted houses. Today visitors can admire memories of the past especially along the Vittorio Veneto promenade, where hotels and cafes evoke the elitist and cosmopolitan phase of Rapallo’s long history like seaside resort. Historical heritage, made of culture and of the vestiges of the past, day after day become richer in services and infrastructures in order to valorize the territory and assist citizens and tourists in the best possible way. 4 The port: infrastructures and port services The gulf of Rapallo allows ships to Promenade anchor at latitude 44° 20,1 N, longitude Ship tenders can be 009° 14,2 E accommodated in Molo Duca degli Abruzzi which is 120 mtrs long with a draft alonside of 2,5 mtr. From here, passenger have 200 mtrs to the promenade that connects the tender arrival point with the city center. Bus parking Buses can be parked 50 mtrs far from the ship tenders in a parking which belongs to the municipality. 5 How a cruise guest is welcomed in Rapallo Hospitality is one of the main traditions and attitudes of the citizens of Rapallo. Cruise ships are welcomed with folkloristic songs and dances. Group of women work the lace and show to cruise guests how this tradition is transferred to young people. Some “focaccia” (local bread) and cold drinks are offered by a group of “Alpini” (the characteristic Italian Alpine troops). Cruise passengers arriving with a tender Cruise passengers disembarking with bikes 6 Rapallo: a new cruise destination Rapallo’s natural attraction lies in its gently rolling hills, its winding lanes - the so called “caruggi”, narrow pedestrian alleys crossing the city centre - and its porticoes, with columns and arches, once used as ballast after ships coming back empty to the harbor. The historical centre is a unique agglomeration of old buildings, clung together like a defensive wall against pirate attack, and the custodian of inestimable treasures, from the Ancient Castle to the Cathedral, without forgetting the Civic Tower and the “Porta delle Saline”, the only gate still surviving. However, art is equally at home in the streets where you’d least expect it, with small wall niches containing exquisite religious statues or icons and sculpted marble or slate portals. What strikes the visitor is how every small church both in town and in the villages hides a treasure, waiting for the curious to discover it in amazement. There really is so much that’s worth a visit, even just a brief one! Offseason is the best period to discover the hidden beauties of this corner of Liguria: the seaside is not so crowded, wandering around the old town and the little villages surrounding Rapallo is a pleasant experience, while trekking on many panoramic trails (the so called “croeuze”) along the crests of the hills offers an amazing view that ranges from the two Rivieras to Genoa’s hinterland, from the Apuan Alps on the east to Cape Mele on the west. A walking visit to the historical centre of Rapallo may take 2 hours. The Ancient Castle Built on top of a cliff, just at the end of the promenade, and connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, the Castle is the symbol of Rapallo, closely linked to the history and the legends of the town. Though it is considered like medieval, it really belongs to the Modern Age as it was built in 1549, after the sack of Rapallo by the Turkish ships, guided by the notorious pirate Dragut. During the years it was used for different purposes and like prison for a long time; after the recent restoration it nowadays is the venue of the most important exhibitions and conventions taking place in town. During the Patron Saint of the Town, on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the traditional artificial fire of the Castle offers an unique thrilling spectacle. 7 The civic tower It was built in 1459 next to Saint Stephen’s Church like a symbol of civil freedom and it is the eldest civil monument in town. According to a 12th century document, it was where justice was administered. From the civic tower the population was called to get together in case of perils or for particular occasions regarding the town life. The Church of Saint Stephen Saint Stephen’s Church is the eldest rural church of the original village: it was built in fact before the year one thousand on the primitive residential area. It is said that the bishop Onorato lived here after fleeing from Milan because of the Longobardi. It nowadays is governed and maintained by the “Mortis et Orationis” Confraternity, called the “Blacks” Brotherwood like its garments colour, which obtained the church during the 17th century.