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Museums in the area Tourist Information and Tourist Reception (I.A.T.) Note: Only museums in the Genoa area are mentioned in this booklet. Provincia di Genova For museums in Genoa City please see the web site www.museigenova.it Assessorato al Turismo For opening hours and other information please contact each single museum directly.

Arenzano di Genova Muvita - Agenzia Provinciale per l’ambiente, l’energia Centro di Raccolta, Testimonianza ed Esposizione dell’Arte Aeroporto C. Colombo c/o Pro Loco - Corso L. Longhi, 32 e l’innovazione (+39 010 91.00.01) Cartaria (+39 010 63.81.03) Genova - Sestri Ponente Ph. and Fax +39 0185 49.05.76 Mocònesi Ph. and Fax +39 010 601.52.47 [email protected] Copy Free Provincia di Genova Assessorato al Turismo Ecomuseo del Territorio dell’Alta Valle (+39 010 964.0 2.11) Polimuseo del Giocattolo e Naturalistico di Gattorna [email protected] Ne (+39 0185 93.10.32) Stazione Ferroviaria Principe c/o Pro Loco - Piazza dei Mosto, 19 Museo Archeologico (+39 0185 77.15.70) Piazza Acquaverde Ph. and Fax +39 0185 38.70.22 Museo Marinaro (+39 0185 72.90.49) Museo del Sacro dell’Alta Val (+39 010 950.29) Tel. +39 010 253.06.71 [email protected] Museo della Legatoria (+39 010 950.29) Museo di Cultura Ph. and Fax +39 010 246.26.33 Portofino Museo della Filigrana (+39 010 92.10.55) Contadina dell’Alta Val Trebbia (+39 010 950.29) [email protected] Via Roma, 35 Terminal Crociere Ph. and Fax +39 0185 26.90.24 Museo della Croce Rossa (+39 010 78.22.92) Esposizione Permanente degli ex-voto di Tre Fontane Stazione Marittima iat.portofi[email protected] Museo delle Marionette (+39 010 72.24.11) (+39 010 93.88.52) Museo Storico Alta Valle Scrivia di Tre (combination cruise arrival/departure) Museo di Paleontologia e Mineralogia (+39 010 722.43.14) Fontane (+39 010 93.89.55) GenovaInforma Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, 7 Ne Piazza Matteotti Ph. +39 0185 23.03.46 - Fax +39 0185 63.05.1 Museo Parma Gemma (+39 0185 469.81) Museo della Miniera di Gambatesa (+39 0185 33.88.76) Ph. +39 010 868.74.52 [email protected] Orero [email protected] Ecomuseo Alta Val Petronio Museo di Cultura Contadina Cava-Museo di Isolona di Orero (+39 0185 971.81) Via Ippolito d’Aste 2A (+39 0185 404.82) Portofino Ph. +39 0185 72.24.40 - Fax +39 0185 72.19.58 Museo del Parco di Portofino (+39 0185 26.90.24) Lungomare Kennedy [email protected] Civica Galleria di Palazzo Rocca (+39 0185 30.85.77) Ph. and Fax +39 010 912.75.81 (seasonal) Museo Archeologico per la Preistoria e Protostoria del Museo del Partigiano (+39 010 94.59.10) [email protected] c/o Pro Loco - Via Roma (+39 0185 320 829) Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra Rapallo , Golfo Paradiso Ph. +39 0185 87.04.32 (+39 0185 590.51) Museo Lorenzo Garaventa Civico Museo del Merletto (+39 0185 633.05) Via Aurelia106 [email protected] (+39 0185 32.47.13) Museo Meteosismologico G. Sanguineti Complesso Molitorio La Cipressa - Museo di Cultura Ph. and Fax +39 010 347.04.29 Riva Trigoso (seasonal) - G. Leonardini (+39 0185 32.52.50) Museo Storico Contadina (+39 0185 569.52) Museo Civico Attilio e Cleofe [email protected] Via Verdi, 1 del Risorgimento della Società Economica di Chiavari Gaffoglio (+39 0185 23.44.97) Camogli Ph. +39 0185 45.70.11 The Tigullio (+39 0185 324 713) Quadreria Cassani - Copello Via XX Settembre 33 Fax +39 0185 45.95.75 della Società Economica di Chiavari (+39 0185 324 713) Museo della Flora e della Fauna del Parco del Ph. +39 0185 77.10.66 - Fax +39 0185 77.71.11 (+39 010 958.54) [email protected] Via XXV Aprile, 2/b Centro Espositivo del Chiapparino (+39 0185 971.81) Campo Ligure Valli Stura e Orba (seasonal) Ph. +39 0185 28.74.85 - Fax +39 0185 28.30.34 Coast and the Inland Areas Museo Archeologico della Fontanabuona (+39 0185 928.54) Museo Passatempo (+39 010 923.99.21) Via della Giustizia 5 [email protected] Museo dell’Ardesia (+39 0185 928.54) Santo Stefano d’Aveto Ph. and Fax +39 010 92.10.55 Santo Stefano D’Aveto Necropoli Preromana di Chiavari (+39 0185 971.81) Ecomuseo della Val d’Aveto (+39 0185 899.07) [email protected] Piazza del Popolo, 6 San Colombano Certénoli Casella (seasonal) Ph. +39 0185 88.04.6 - Fax +39 0185 88.70.07 Museo Contadino (+39 010 918.81.42) Museo del Lascito Cuneo (+39 0185 35.80.60) Stazione ferroviaria [email protected] Museo Marinaro Tommasino Andreatta (+39 0185 35.60.10) Ph. +39 010 968.21.28 Centro Culturale dei Fieschi (+39 0185 38.24.59) Santa Margherita Ligure Chiavari Piazza Sant’Antonio, 10 Crocefieschi Museo Vittorio G. Rossi (+39 0185 20.54.49) Corso Assarotti, 1 Ph. +39 0185 45.70.11 - Fax +39 0185 45.95.75 Museo Paleontologico (+39 010 93.12.15) Parco del Flauto Magico (+39 0185 20.54.71) Ph. +39 0185 32.51.98 - Fax +39 0185 32.47.96 [email protected] [email protected] Museo dell’Emigrante “Casa Giannini” (+39 0185 97.51.95) Museo dell’Alta Valle Scrivia: Sezione Archeologica - Punto Informazioni Turistiche Via Nostra Signora della Provvidenza, 3 Genova (+39 010 93.60.103) Museo degli Alpini (+39 010 93.60.103) (seasonal) Ph. +39 010 94.41.75 Archivio Fondo Edward Neill (+39 010 53.26.23) Sestri Levante c/o Comune - Via Capoluogo Fax +39 010 945.30.07 Archivio Museo della Stampa ARMUS (+39 010 549.96.43) Museo Artistico Fondazione Galleria “M. Rizzi” Ph. and Fax 010 954.30.22 [email protected] Museo della Lanterna (+39 010 549.94.69) (+39 0185 413.00) [email protected] Uscio Lavagna Via IV Novembre, 1 Casa Carbone (+39 0185 39.39.20) Museo degli Orologi e delle Campane (+39 0185 91.94.10) Piazza Torino (stazione F.S.) Ph. +39 0185 91.31.9/91.94.01 Galleria Artistica “Torre del Borgo” Museo dell’Ardesia Val Fontanabuona Ph. +39 0185 39.50.70 Fax +39 0185 91.94.13 e Collezione Archeologica R. Alloisio (+39 0185 36.71) Ecomuseo dell’Ardesia La Via della Pietra Nera Fax +39 0185 39.24.42 [email protected] Lòrsica (+39 0185 971.81) [email protected] (seasonal) Museo dei Damaschi (+39 0185 950.19) Lavagna Cavi (seasonal) Via L. Merello, 6A Museo dell’Alta Valle Scrivia: Sezione Etnologica Via Lombardia, 53 Ph. and Fax +39 0185 25.91.27 Museo Civico A. Tubino Museo del Ferro (+39 010 92.62.10) (+39 010 964.17.94) Ph. and Fax +39 0185 39.56.80 [email protected]

© 2007, Regione (1st edition 2004) Useful numbers Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio: +39 0185 28.46.70 The 2007 Edition was edited by Provincia di Genova, Assessorato al Turismo Airport: Flight Information: +39 010 60.151 Stazioni Marittime: +39 010 24.12.361/393 Text: Marco Scuderi Motorways: Travel info: 840 04.21.21 Public Transport: Photographs: Marco Scuderi, Archivio APT Tigullio Maritime Services: Genoa City Public Transport AMT: 800 08.53.11 Art: Claudio Burlando & Marco Scuderi Maps: Alessia Massari and Francesca Pavolini Liguria Via Mare Servizi Marittimi, Genova: Public Transport ATP: +39 010 54.67.44.10 Printed by: Editoriale Tipografica Sorriso Francescano - Genova +39 010 26.57.12 +39 010 25.67.75 Genova - Casella Railway: +39 010 83.73.21 The paper used for this brochure was produced according to sustainable forest management principles Trasporti Marittimi Golfo Paradiso: +39 0185 77.20.91 Radio Taxi Genova: +39 010 59.66 1-37 inglese ok 25-06-2007 9:15 Pagina 1

Index

1. Mount Portofino pag. 2 • Portofino “ 2 • and Nozarego “ 4 • San Fruttuoso Bay “ 5 • Camogli “ 8 • Ruta, San Rocco and San Lorenzo “ 10 2. The Coast from Santa Margherita to Zoagli pag. 12 • Santa Margherita “ 12 • Rapallo “ 15 • Villages and Monastery of Valle Christi “ 17 • The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro “ 18 • Along the Aurelia road towards Zoagli “ 20 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland pag. 23 • Chiavari “ 23 • and the Foot Path to the Five Towers “ 26 • Lavagna “ 28 • Cogorno, feud of the Fieschi “ 30 • Guide to the Basilica of San Salvatore dei Fieschi “ 36 4. The Fontanabuona Valley pag. 38 • The valley bed from to Gattorna “ 38 • Itineraries in the direction of the sea: , Uscio and “ 41 • Towards the Padana Plains: , and Orero “ 43 5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys pag. 46 • The Graveglia Valley route from Ne to Reppia “ 46 • Along the Sturla river, from Carasco to Forcella Pass “ 49 • Guide of the Abbey of Sant’Andrea di Borzone “ 52 • The Aveto Valley, Riviera mountain “ 54 6. Sestri Levante and its valleys pag. 59 • Sestri Levante “ 59 • Along the Petronio Valley: from Casarza to the Velva Pass “ 62 • The coast up to Moneglia and the Bracco route “ 63 Itineraries and areas pag. 34 Portofino . 3 AN S ROWN B built in 1154 HURCH OF ASTELLO C C tions. It is sur- uses it for exhibi- rounded by a rounded Municipality that Mediterranean Brown. Since 1961 Brown. is the the fortress of the property garden, full of garden, gar- flowers, rose dens and pergolas. , a church that was rebuilt , a church From the San Giorgio path, From IORGIO monstrations. On the top of a steep monstrations. On the face is the rock G in the middle of the last century. was The original church and had undergone several changes. of St. the relics Inside the church to be found. They were George are by Sailors who participated brought in the crusades. one can go on to The defence stronghold was built The defence stronghold during the Mediaeval period and had always been used for military by functions. It was strengthened Napoleone and then it became a home for wealthy private owners, including the English Consul, Yeats , AN S A view of the splendid villas by the sea, along the road that leads to Portofino SSUNTA ’A ” which is HURCH OF C The doorway of the Assumption of the Church IAZZETTA P hich ORATORIO DELL , which was built in the XII Mount Portofino Mount One can get to From Via Roma, one can get to From ARTINO feature in national feature and international events and de- surrounded by colourful houses. surrounded The tourist port has some of the boats in the world most prestigious under All around, there. moored and the archways along the Marconi quay and the are wharf, there expensive bou- tiques, exclusive shops and res- taurants, w M Borgogna, wife of Ot- Borgogna, the tone I, donated Abbey of Benedictine di San Fruttuoso Capodimonte. this exclusive tourist village using the nar- that scenic road row runs along the coast, on the eastern side of the mountain, from Santa Margherita. Driving to Portofino one immedi- by road, the ately comes across was built. It has Gothic and Renais- sance elements, which include the beautiful door frame in slate with a 1555 above it, lunette from bas-relief a Madonna and which represents by monks in tradi- child surrounded tional robes. the famous “ century in Romanesque Lombard style and then completely reunovated In the XIV in the eighteen hundreds. Century the 1. Portus Portofino: the colourful of row houses on the Marconi Quay referred to by Plinio, was cit- referred The village of Portofino is situ- The village of Portofino The little Port, known as nised as a Regional natural park in Regional natural nised as a by a network of covered 1977. It is itineraries and excursions splendid natural beauty. of extraordinary can get to Punta one here, From San Fruttu- Chiappa, San Rocco, oso, Portofino Vetta, and Paraggi. Mare Delphini ed, for the first time in the year 986, in a document in which Adelaide of Portofino ated at the south-eastern extremity is enclosed in an of the headland. It inlet that is shielded between the the small peninsula that closes off Gulf of Tigulliowest, and to the which is to the south Punta Carega of the inlet of Paraggi. The geological conformation Mount Portofino was recog- Portofino headland is the only Portofino Mount Portofino Mount

example of such vast proportions in such vast proportions example of It di- of the Ligurian Arc. the whole the Paradise Gulf from vides the Tigullio out towards Gulf stretching unusu- a very the sea and creating highest Its al natural environment. goes up to peak, Mount Portofino, sea level only a 600 meters above the coast. from kilometre spectacular of the headland offers faces rock scenery with precipitous the sea, and straight into that drop vegetable gar- terraced slopes with Rocks known dens and olive trees. as “puddinga” - made up of pebbles cemented by min- rounded erals of various types, which are to marine ero- particularly resistant a characteristic of the nat- sion, are of the mountain ural environment particularly on the steep southern side. 2 1. Portofino 1-37 inglese ok 29-10-2007 16:39 Pagina 2 Pagina 16:39 29-10-2007 ok inglese 1-37 1-37 inglese ok 29-10-2007 16:39 Pagina 4

1. Mount Portofino 1. Mount Portofino

in the Acqua Viva bay San Fruttuoso area. Paraggi is a natural jewel: A tiny inlet that has crystalline green water, and a Ge- noese fortress - CASTELLO BONOMI - that was renno- vated in the eighteen hun-

Paraggi and Nozarego Paraggi dreds. It also has an exclusive beach, restaurants, and an elegant night club. The inlet at Paraggi Portofino - Castello Brown seen from the port Continuing towards Santa with this charming place, that is iso- Margherita there is a deviation near lated from the rest of the world. The enchanting panorama of Tourism, events and traditions the town that leads to NOZAREGO. San Fruttuoso has a small Portofino and of the sea that can be Here one sees the CHURCH OF SANTA beach, an abbey, a church, the Do- Thanks to the typical Mediterranean cli- seen from the various openings and mate and the beauty of its landscape, Por- MARIA ASSUNTA built in 1725. It has ria tower and a few buildings. The from the terrace makes it possible to tofino has been a prime tourist destina- a beautiful baroque façade and in- dark green background of pine understand the important strategic tion for decades. Hotels of different cate- side there are important paintings trees is reflected in the emerald value of this fortress. The walls of gories and shops of every type are on offer by Luca Cambiaso and a splendid blue waters of the sea. the building are enriched by numer- to the most discerning tourist. Even the sixteenth century organ. There is a The legend regarding the ous basreliefs and architectural em- most discerning tourist will have his choi- large church square dating back to building of the structure destined to bellishments in marble and slate, ce of different categories of hotels and the middle of the eighteen hun- become an Abbey, revealed that in similar to the first architrave at the shops of every type. Traditionally most of dreds decorated with thousands of 259 AD. Giustino and Procopio, dis- entrance. the available land in the area is turned coloured pebbles which offers a ciples of the San Fruttuoso, mar- From the castle, by following over to olive groves although some vegeta- breath taking view of the whole of tyred bishop were thrown by a tem- ble gardens can be observed, whilst the the path surrounded by olive trees the gulf. pest into the most hidden inlet of local fisherman will take the catch of the and lush green villa gardens, one day to the best restaurants in the area Mount Portofino. After the ship- gets to the LIGHTHOUSE OF PORTOFI- ensuring only the freshest of fish can be wreck they found themselves sur- NO at Punta del Capo. From here found. The local crafts are also very pret- San Fruttuoso Bay rounded by three lions which, ac- there is a view from Punta Manara ty, embroidery and hand made lace arti- cording to what was predicted, in- in Sestri Levante to Capo Noli, be- cles can be found in most of the shops. On There aren’t many alternatives stead of tearing them to pieces yond Genoa. the feast of the patron saint - San Gior- to get to the tiny bay of San Frut- traced outlines on the sand of the gio - on 23rd April, a big bonfire is lit in tuoso, in a deep inlet that opens to- church that they had to erect in ho- Paraggi and Nozarego the square and this, when red hot, toge- wards the South of the Portofino nour of the saint. What really hap- ther with the illumination from a trail of headland. One can either follow pened is that the monastery was Leaving Portofino on state little lights around the buildings make the one of the three long footpaths founded in this inlet in 711 A.D. village look really charming. road 227 that leads to Santa amongst the rocks and vegetation when Prospero, Bishop of Tarrago- Margherita one comes across on the headland, or use one of the na, while escaping from to PARAGGI. Until the XII Century be- water it had numerous mills, some boats that connect Camogli, (be- get away from the invasion of the cause of its abundant sources of of which are still in existence today sides Genoa and Santa Margherita) Moors, anchored there with the

4 5 1-37 inglese ok 29-10-2007 16:39 Pagina 6

1. Mount Portofino 1. Mount Portofino

remains of the saint. The Saracens ry the story of San Fruttuoso was flooded streams to bring bay San Fruttuoso destroyed the monastery and it was intertwined with that of the much debris to the water- rebuilt in the tenth century by Bene- family. They contributed to the line. dictine monks and in the 13th Cen- building of a new part facing the The little restaurants tury it was expanded by the Doria sea. In recognition of this, the in this village are small but family. monks agreed for them to build a the food based on fish The SAN FRUTTUOSO ABBEY is family sepulchre in front of the dishes is excellent. It is also presented as one of the most sig- cloister. In the fifteen hundreds the possible to spend a night nificant Ligurian buildings of Medi- family changed the appearance of in the village, but it is diffi- aeval times. The cupola and bell the cloister, by elevating the floor cult to find one of the sev- San Fruttuoso bay tower, with a distinctive spherical and demolishing the crypt. en rooms because there is shape, denote a Byzantine influ- Recent restoration has only one inn. ence. A large part of the complex brought back the architectural Finally, if one does any that we admire today goes back to characteristics of the Romanesque- A view of the bay from one of the halls of underwater diving in the the end of the tenth century and Gothic building. The irregularities San Fruttuoso Abbey bay, it is possible to admire the beginning of the eleventh, of the spans of the arches in the the renowned CRISTO DEGLI when reconstruction was carried portico are due to the position of almost invisible, has been used so ABISSI, a statue of Christ by the out according to the wishes of the rocks on which the plinths of that the purity of the architectural sculptor Guido Galletti, lowered in- Adelaide, window of Ottone I. In the foundation are placed. These ir- lines can stand out. It’s also possi- to the sea in 1954 as a protection the new church, the octagonal regularities are also repeated in the ble to have a beautiful view of the for sailors. tower included the Byzantine cupo- position of the windows, which ev- sea and the coast from the inside la within it. The complex also in- idently followed the internal place- of the halls. The roof, as in the rest cluded a single order cloister and a ment. In the restored façade, the of the Abbey, has been rebuilt with A view of the bay of San Fruttuoso from the footpath that leads to Portofino chapter house on its western side. old wooden shutters were eliminat- traditional materials and structures. At the end of the thirteenth Centu- ed and new sliding glass, which is In the area near the sea tiebeams of steel have been used to hook it to the wall of the structure at the back which is stronger. The Abbey was donated by the Doria-Pamphilis to Fai (Fondo Italiano per l’ambiente) in 1983. The inside of the Abbey - the part used as a museum - is open to the public so that they can see the var- ious changes that the building has undergone over time. The TOWER is situated behind the Abbey, and was built in the sixteenth Century by the Admiral to defend the vil- lage from attacks by Turkish pi- rates. The small beach in San Frut- tuoso was created in 1915 during a The Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte violent downpour that caused

6 7 Camogli 9 - - A . It IO C G USEUM M (fish festi- ARITIME that rises from a cliff from that rises ” M ERRARI RAGONE F The visit continues on to The visit D Tourism, events and traditions Tourism, ONO The event in that puts Camogli the news, is the traditional Sagra del pesce is held on the which val), The second Sunday in May. first held in 1952 edition was added to the Feast when it was of San Fortunato. A platform is erected near the port and caught fishfreshly is cooked frying A gigantic all day. there for the introduced pan was - and it has second festival been used ever since. The pre- sent one has a diameter of 4 meters. On the first Sunday in August of boats is a procession there Marisin honour of Stella (the these of the Sea). Both Star events a good opportunity are to taste the typical “camoglie- si” pastries, pastry choux balls filled with rum custard cream. face. Built in the fourteen hundreds face. Built it was against Pirates, as a defence times. several and rebuilt destroyed and then as It was used as a prison, it was recently a meeting place, and it is the “ an aquarium. Today STEL contains important items regarding contains important link with the sea, such as Camogli’s compasses, and drawings of boats, various other items. B ANTA S ASILICA DI B which is situated on which is situated SSUNTA A Camogli - Castel Camogli Dragone Mount Portofino Mount The most significant artistic The most ARIA M one gets to by climbing a marble a neo-classical façade It has stairway. interior. that leads to a Baroque most Amongst the works that are important is the flooring inlayed with marble of various colours, the wood- en statue of the Assumption, a most beautiful canvas of the Annunciation and two big windows depicting the saints, San Fortunato Martire patron A few years ago and San Prospero. Window was re- the San Prospero it. built after a giant wave destroyed the promontory known as the “iso- known as the the promontory could In the past one la” (island). it using a wooden bridge. The reach it is Today was built in 1200. church which square, high up on a pebbled works are in the in works are 1. ” or face the with the Cà a Muggi beach, amongst ” i.e wives houses. , in Genovese) comes from Cà de Mugge Camuggi piers, the boats and the ferry boats. typical houses and the landing pier at the little port. The only evident built in change is the promenade of houses, two steps place of a row the beach. In the historical from Via Garibaldi, obviously the centre, businesses have changed with the arrival of shops and elegant cafes, but the heart is still the port with its colourful houses that houses in a group, given their posi- houses in a group, tion closely packed together and separated only by steep alleyways that lead to the steps and porticoes. The aspect of almost the little town has remained unchanged for centuries noese meaning is very interesting - noese meaning is very interesting Camogli, they say that the word ( “ The wives who used to stay alone at home awaiting their sailor husbands Others believe that it might return. “ have come from ” or ” (low) cam Camulo ” a Gallic-Celtic divinity. ”, name attributed to ” (land). These words would ” (land). These words Camogli - A row of colourful - A row Camogli and on the houses left of the Church Saint Mary Assumption gi The word “Camogli” is old, but The word Situated on the steeper and Camolio Mount Portofino Mount Camulio

Marte da Sabini and the Etruscans. Or “ Others say that the word has Greek- Others say that the word Ligurian origins and that it meant “ “low lying land” from Camogli more rugged western side of more Portofino headland, Camogli stands out first of all because of its line-up of colourfully decorated, multiple storied houses, which face the an- along cient pier and the promenade the sea. its exact origins have been lost in ideas about different are time. There Many the meaning of the word. scholars think that the word “ Camogli comes from “ and “ certainly describe the characteristic topography of the village, a valley to Ruta. The Ge- when compared 8 1. Camogli 1-37 inglese ok 29-10-2007 16:39 Pagina 8 Pagina 16:39 29-10-2007 ok inglese 1-37 1-37 inglese ok 29-10-2007 16:39 Pagina 10

1. Mount Portofino 1. Mount Portofino

Vetta or San Rocco. It is possible to Camogli and San Rocco and Lorenzo Ruta, admire the CHURCH OF SAN MICHELE from other built in the seventeenth century, places on the but above all, turning towards San headland. Martino di Noceto, it is possible to From San see the CHIESA MILLENARIA which Rocco, which dates to the year 1000. is 300 meters This church, which is in excel- above sea lev- lent condition, is one of the best ex- el, one can amples of Roman architecture in get a splendid Eastern Liguria. From very ancient view of the times, it functioned as a parish Gulf. The church on a territory that included church, which Rapallo and the whole area of Rec- is dedicated co. Its decline began in the fourteen to the MA- Detail of the Apse of the church of San Nicolò di Capodimonte hundreds and in the sixteen hun- DONNA DELLA dreds it was abandoned. It was SALUTE (Madonna of Health) is situat- On the other side of the moun- used as a barn in the eighteen hun- ed in a little square on a cliff above the tain, along the coast at Santa Ruta, San Rocco and Lorenzo dreds. The church was renovated in sea, and was built in 1863 by sailors Margherita, is the road that leads to the early twentieth century. It is in from the village. SAN LORENZO DELLA COSTA, which is Camogli - A view of the little port bare stone, with a beautiful wood- On the way down on foot in a dominant, panoramic position. en ceiling with rafters. Unfortunate- from San Rocco to Punta Chiappa, Its Parochial church, of Ro- Ruta, San Rocco ly nowadays it is not possible to see along the path that runs along the manesque origins, goes back to the and San Lorenzo the inside. western side of the promontory of twelfth century. Of the mediaeval From Ruta, a road leads to SAN Portofino, is the CHURCH OF SAN building only a few pieces remain - Ruta is on the western side of ROCCO, the last point up to which one NICOLÒ DI CAPODIMONTE. A small the foundations and the column Portofino headland amongst pine can take a car. One can also get to the church that is a precious example of bases that are preserved at the bot- and chestnut woods. It is about 30 place by following footpaths from Romanesque art. Attached to it is a tom of the church. The building has meters above monastery and a small nucleus of three naves. It is famous for its sea level. houses. Despite numerous misfor- FLEMING TRIPTYCH, representing the One can get tunes the church still has it original Martyrdom of Saint Andrew, com- there from structure in stone, built according missioned in 1499 in Bruges by a Camogli, or to tradition in the twelfth century. merchant called Andrea Della Co- by turning On the inside, amongst the frescoes sta. off the Rapal- that emerged during the restora- lo-Genoa tion in 1925-26, there is a signifi- road. This is cant one - the oldest representation the departure of the “Stella Maris”: showing a point for ex- boat in stormy sea saved by the cursions on Virgin with child in arms. The foot on the church is in a small square with a Portofino pebbled mosaic that was restored headland in in 1971. It has only one nave, a the direction square bell-tower and a perfectly of Portofino intact apse. Ruta – The “Chiesa Millenaria”

10 11 Santa Margherita 13 Festa feast of the feast - at the end of the National Competi- National the Tourism, eventsand traditions Tourism, With more than one and a half than one With more tou- million visitors annually, rism is always the most impor- Fishing tant activity. economic while the local is still practised, artisans boats, pleasure repair and make The tou- bobbin lace. rist port has about 450 moo- ringsspaces, 200 meters long protectedeast in the south by a wharf The in the north is pier. reserved ferries for docking that take used to are excur- people on sions to Portofino, San Fruttuo- and Portovenere so, Camogli, the . proposes The local gastronomy always are fish dishes, which havingfresh been caught by local fishermen, while local pro- ducts of excellence the olive are oil and white wine. Amongst the events held here the Springare - Feast della Primavera March, Painting Figurative tion for in August, and the of Santa Margheritapatron Other feasts are: on 20th July. the feast of Our Lady of the Roses held on the fifth Sunday after Easter and the feast of San James - held on Giacomo - St. Con- the last Sunday in July. certs, literary competitions and events cultural other numerous take time to time place from particularly in the summer. the main altar, inside a priceless niche, inside a the main altar, is a wooden statue of the Madonna of , ORTE C IACOMO DI G AN S The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli to S. Margherita from Coast The Outside the villa in a scenic posi- Villa Durazzo and its pebbled squareVilla HURCH OF of the city. Spread out on four Spread of the city. floors. It is possible to visit the floor, on the ground rooms the beautiful amongst which are of the dinning room room, green Durazzo, and the the Marquis apartments on the main floor. furnished These are with period fur- and paintings by Genoese niture, painters of the seventeenth century. The beautiful hall with stucco-work, hall with its pri- and the Belvedere be missed. vate chapel shouldn’t The park has been subdivided into English woods an Italian garden, These and a small citrus orchard. by mosaic lanes, all enriched are statues and fountains. tion that dominates the bay is the C with its imposing Baroque façade. with its imposing Baroque The building is divided into three naves and contains eleven altars. On 2. with its large URAZZO D ILLA Entering Santa Margherita one Entering Santa Margherita V is immediately aware of the exclu- of the is immediately aware of this town sive style and beauty its hotels in on the Riviera, with elegant villas. Liberty style and it’s is the result of renovation undertak- of renovation is the result “So- the supervision of the en under e ai Beni Ambientali printendenza Her- (Italian National Architettonici” by restored It was then itage Trust). Its large vaulted owner. the present for congresses now used halls are also are There and other functions. public. guided tours for the park - today the property of the property park - today the Municipality - is the heart of the town. The sumptuous fifteenth century building, built for the Mar- quis Gio Luca Durazzo, is situated in a panoramic position on the hills of San Giacomo di Corte, surrounded by a splendid terrace with a balustrade, and decorated by stat- the XVII and XVIII Cen- ues from turies. The inside of the building is seat representative the prestigious - ER C ELLA D EROLAMO G AN S A pretty view of Santa Margherita In 1361 when it was decided to In 1361 when it was that we see today The structure A few kilometres from Portofi- from A few kilometres . Originally built in the thirteen . Originally built in The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli to S. Margherita from Coast The BBEY OF

VARA Santa Margherita Santa hundreds it was extended in the it was extended hundreds The landscape eighteen hundreds. too. it was transformed around dedicated to build a new Monastery Cervara (St. Jerome), Saint Gerolamo Monks was built. The Benedictine in the structure planned and built which they then lived for some time. Humanism and Re- during However, naissance period, the monastery ac- splendour in its architec- great quired cloisters. and square tural structure The tower was built for defence from Saracens in the fif- the much feared and in the same Cen- teen hundreds, tury the tower was used as a prison for Francis I, King of . no, between Santa Margherita and Santa Margherita no, between park the slopes of the Paraggi, along vegetation is the wrapped in dense A

12 2. Margherita Santa 1-37 inglese ok 29-10-2007 16:39 Pagina 12 Pagina 16:39 29-10-2007 ok inglese 1-37 Rapallo 15 (Saint RATORIO (Oratory O TEFANO RINITÀ S (castle) is to be (castle) is (Civic Tower), built (Civic Tower), SS. T ANTO S IVICA ASTELLO C C On the side of the church is On the side of the church . ORRE ERI The T N RATORIO DELLA EI HURCH OF O the D in the middle of the fourteen hun- as a symbol of the will for dreds political fac- peace of the different of the tower is the tions). In front L’ found on rocks that protrude into the that protrude rocks found on called elegant seafront sea near the which The fortress, Vittorio Veneto. as was used hundreds in the sixteen of the city, the home of the Captain when it was ex- changed over time pur- for different tended and used and then the poses. It was a prison Police. It was of the Financial office in 1959 bought by the Municipality an exhibition and transformed into again in It was renovated centre. of the city is the 1997. In the heart C Steven), the most important monu- to ment of the nucleus. According tradition this was the first Christian temple of the district. It was renovat- ed for the first time in the XVII centu- also called is The church ry. . in AN the S ICHELE DI APALLO M St. Francis R A view of the coastline di Pagana at San Michele AN S HURCH OF C (Crocifisso) with (Crocifisso) (St. Michael) there is a paint- is a (St. Michael) there . In the , from the XVI Century. This is the XVI Century. , from The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli to S. Margherita from Coast The In order to In order From Santa Margherita, along Santa Margherita, From On the cliffs behind the church, behind the On the cliffs ICHELE OWER AGANA Rapallo P M ing by Anton van Dyck, entitled ing by Anton van Dyck, Crucifix the gift bearers and St. Bernard and another con- struction that was built as a defence against Pirates, Turkish on this part of the coastline. bays - The three Prelo Travello, - and Pomaro used to be safe landing places in the western part of the gulf. stop the slow degradation of the Fondo per l’Am- the fortress, biente Italiano (National Environmen- carried out restoration tal Trust), work in the nineteen eighties to save why The reason this important relic. was built by the inhabi- this fortress tants of San Michele, was the same was as the one for which a fortress in built on the seafront 1550. From this point it is possible to 1550. From one of the begin a tour of the city, in the Tigulliomain tourist centres Gulf. the main road for Rapallo, passing for road the main to the dating back Grand hotels comes across “good old days”, one the seaside village of at Punta Pagana, there is a four sided at Punta Pagana, there T 2. posi- tower tioned to and a the south ed corners west. The with round- entrance is side from one where can get di- construction. The plan is rectangular situated on the Northern by pirates. It is a small by pirates. This room has a big central pil- This room city from the numerous incursions numerous the city from lar and a vaulted ceiling. The build- and is renovated ing was recently now used for cultural and artistic exhibitions. built in 1550 after a decree of the after a decree built in 1550 the Genoa to safeguard Doge of to the hall in the main part of rectly the building. Santa Margherita of San Giacomo - The Church ANTA S - can be APPUC C also faces NTIOCHIA Santa Margherita – The Sixteenth Century Castle A ASILICA OF B HURCH OF ASTLE C C The The The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli to S. Margherita from Coast The . It was built in the sixteen ARGHERITA DI

the sea. This fortress was the sea. This fortress hundreds, and has a beautiful hundreds, the fifteen hun- crucifix from within it. preserved dreds that faces the a square From sea the view of the whole of the Tigullio Gulf can be seen. CINI M letters, about which a legend exists. It which a legend letters, about 1783, when a terrible that in said is devastated Messina, earthquake of the the statue Madonna, which was in the Port of that city, above a stele, fell into the sea. It began floating north- wards, against the that currents flow- were ing south. In twenty days it got to the Gulf of Tigullio and then up to the port of Santa Margherita. found at the historical centre of the found at the historical centre town. The width is very noticeable, is a and on each side there has church The bell tower. the shape of a cross, naves and a cupo- with three la. It dates back to the sixteen Another significant hundreds. build- example of a religious ing is the

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2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli 2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli

Tourism, events and traditions of ValleVillages and Monastery Christi

Rapallo is obviously a tourist location. It has many hotels, shops and ser- vices that can be offered to tourists. These include sports facilities and an

Rapallo important port. As in Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, a well known local craft based on bobbin lace making is a tradition that is practi- sed by the local Ligurian School of lace making. Typical gastronomic specialities of the Riviera are found here. These consist of fish dishes, excellent pasta and pesto, and various types of made with Olive Oil. The feast of the Patron - Our Lady of Montallegro, is held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July. In January the fair of San Sabastiano is held, and in mid July and mid August a show called “Palco sul Mare” is held. This includes concerts, variety shows, musical events etc. and draws crowds to the sea front.

Rapallo - A shop selling locally made lace and needlework of the Holy Trinity) also called “dei collection of bobbin lace, Confrater- Bianchi”. The Civic Museum is to be nity documents, Laws and Manu- leaned by “4 palms and 7 inches”. two villas are characterised by the el- found here and in it one can see a scripts of the Municipality, and many Therefore, instead of taking it egance of their architecture and by other historical and artistic to 85 meters, they stopped at 67 the lavishness of their gardens and materials. Amongst these are meters. The CHURCH DI SAN FRANCESCO parks. Both occupy a panoramic - two wooden sculptures of (St. Francis). Built in 1575, the sition in front of the gulf of Rapallo the XV and XVI Centuries, church has four naves. There is a in the direction of Zoagli, near the some paintings and Mara- painting by Cambiaso on the Stan- Casale Park just outside the histori- gliano’s statue of Saint dard. There is also a canvas by Bor- cal centre of the town. Sebastian. zone that dates back to the sixteen Rapallo Cathedral is hundreds, as well as some sculptures Villages dedicated to the SANTI GERVA- by Maragliano. To enter Rapallo in and Monastery SIO E PROTASIO. Its origins go the past one had to go through one of Valle Christi back to the end of the IV of five gates. Now, only one is left - Century but the present the PORTA DELLE SALINE - built in the A few kilometres from the city of church with its neo-classic sixteen hundreds, with a Baroque Rapallo, built on the sides of two val- aspect was built in the XVII- niche towards the inside. In the leys, which merge to form the Rio Bo- XVIII Centuries. It was reno- south of the town is the PONTE DI go, are Santa Maria del Campo and vated and expanded and a ANNIBALE built in mediaeval times. San Massimo. Leaving Rapallo on the cupola was added on in the Right from the XVII Century, the No- old Aurelia route that leads to Ruta, Nineteen hundreds. The bell ble Genoese families had chosen after passing Sant’Anna, there is a de- tower is slightly leaning. Ap- eastern Liguria for their holidays. viation to the right that takes one to parently, when the builders of They had placed buildings along the the ruins of the CHURCH OF SAN TOM- the bell tower got to the fifth whole arch of the coast, that even MASO DEL POGGIO. There are only a floor during its erection, that today embellish the towns of the few walls in squared stone and a ro- took place in the mid seven- Riviera. In Rapallo, emblematic ex- bust column with a base and capitals teen hundreds, the tower amples are VILLA PORTICCIOLO and on which arches are supported. They VILLA TIGULLIO, which are part of the were built to support the roof, and Rapallo - The Castle on the sea front legacy of the Municipality. These some windows. The little that remains

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2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli 2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli

nates the whole Gulf Tiguillio. It is 612 Parish church at Rapallo, but mysteri- of Our Lady Montallegro The Sanctuary meters above sea level, and is on the ously it always found its way back to watershed between the coastal side the mountain. Therefore, according and the Fontanabuona valley. One can to the wishes of the Bishop in 1558, get there by road – a journey of 11 the construction of the building be- kilometres. This road continues to Cor- gan , and it was opened for worship reglia. Alternatively, one can get to the the following year. In the eighteen Sanctury on foot, following an old hundreds the Sanctuary underwent mule track for an hour and a half. It some transformation. The apse was takes seven minutes using the cable frescoed by Nicolò Barabino and the car which leaves from the centre of Ra- façade was designed by Luigi Rovelli, pallo. The sanctuary was inaugurated in neo Gothic style. In 1957, the in 1933, and has recently been reno- bronze doors were fitted. vated. According to the legend, the The sanctuary attracts numer- Sanctuary was erected on a place ous devotees and visitors and is the where on the 2nd of July 1557, the destination for excursionists. While Virgin appeared to Giovanni Chichizo- walking along the avenue lined la, a farmer from San Giacomo di with holm-oaks, one is struck by The Monastery ruins of Valle Christi at Rapallo Canevale, who was coming back to the neo Gothic façade in black and his house after a day’s work in Genova. white stripes. On the inside there is of the ancient building is, however, under the jurisdiction of the parish of The icon left behind at the scene only one nave, and a chapel on precious proof of the architectural Ruta. Pope Paul III abolished it in 1535 of the apparition is perennial proof of each side, in which works of art are style present in Mediaeval times, after a decision of the Council of Tren- the event. It depicts the transit of the kept. Amongst these, on the inside The Sanctuary of Our Lady Montallegro above all in Lunigiana, that can still be to that prohibited female monasteries Virgin in the presence of the Holy of the choir, there is a fresco by seen, even though rarely, in Liguria. outside inhabited centres. Trinity. The icon was brought to the Nicolò Barabino that represents the According to the deeds of the church The general style of the com- of San Tommaso, the church already plex is Gothic Lombard strongly tied existed in the first half of the 1100. to the Romanesque traditions of Going back to the main road, construction. What remains of the near Ponte Nuovo (new bridge) one church is the bell tower, the presby- will find the PONTE MEDIEVALE (me- tery area and the ruins of the dieval bridge) in an arch over the San- perimeter. The bell tower as it ap- ta Maria stream, and nearby is the de- pears today is divided into three or- viation for San Massimo. In a flat area, ders of suspended arches. In the immersed in a lush green of trees that first two, there are windows with are centuries old and lawns that are embrasures, and in the third there is maintained by the Golf Club (that is an elegant three-mullioned win- right there), one can admire the ruins dow with light coloured columns. of the ancient MONASTRY OF VALLE CHRISTI. The female Cistercian mona- The Sanctuary of Our stery of Valle Christi was erected in Lady of Montallegro 1204 in French Romanesque-Gothic style. It depended on San Salvatore di Situated in the hinterland of Ra- Cogorno - fief of the Fieschis. It then pallo, amongst the chestnut, oak, and passed on to the Claisse nuns and was beech woods, the sanctuary domi- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro

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2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli 2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli

Apparition of the Virgin to the From the church square it is Along the Aurelia road towards Zoagli farmer, Giovanni Chichizola. The in- possible to see one of the best side walls are covered in votive of- views of the whole area. A little ferings, mainly of maritime inspira- further towards the old Roman road tion, some of them valuable pieces to the edge of the ford one comes of high quality. The oldest dates back across the beautiful CHURCH OF SAN to 1574 and commemorates a sailing PANTALEO, the oldest in the area ship escaping from a shipwreck in that goes back to the XII Century stormy sea, just outside Monterosso. and is in clear Romanesque style. This was contested by some SEMORILE is in the centre of a sailors from Ragusa (the present small valley in the shape of an am- Dubrovnik, in Croatia) who claimed phitheatre that surrounds Zoagli. It is the icon as their property and took a typical rural Ligurian village, that it back to their country. The picture one can get to using the ancient mule however, continued to be found at track that skirts the western side. the Sanctuary of Montallegro, SAN PIETRO DI ,a where after a certain point it was hamlet that is more to the east, is on no longer contested and has re- a cliff that drops straight to the sea. It mained there until today. Sant’Ambrogio, on the hills above Zoagli was crossed by the Roman road and The Church of San Pantaleo had been the seat of a military garri-

Along the Aurelia road towards Zoagli towards road Along the Aurelia Along the Aurelia ferent hamlets, which offer en- son at that time. There is a cremato- has a walkway carved out of the road towards Zoagli chanting panoramic routes. rial urn that today holds holy water rocks by the sea that offers splendid The first leads to a village in in the Parish Church. views of the whole gulf from After passing Rapallo in the di- the hills called SANT’AMBROGIO (St. The main centre of ZOAGLI is Portofino to Sestri Levante. rection of Chiavari, one comes across Ambrose). It is the biggest hamlet enclosed in a small basin at the It was an important centre for various deviations along the Aurelia in Zoagli, a large residential zone mouth of the Semorile stream. It the Romans at one time, but has road, (Roman Road), leading to dif- with a beautiful PARISH CHURCH. more remote origins. On higher ground there is a fortress, built by Sant’Ambrogio – Panoramic square the ancient inhabitants of the place. in front of the church Zoagli was a feud of the Fieschi, counts of Lavagna, and together with Chiavari and Rapallo (XII Cen- tury), it then passed under the con- trol of Genoa. During the first half of the fifteen hundreds, it suffered from the effects of the plague and the incursions of pirates. Therefore, as happened in other coastal vil- lages in Liguria, Zoagli built two more lookout towers, at the two extreme ends of the village - one to the east and one to the west. The EASTERN SARACEN TOWER, a little jewel set in rock, was modified Zoagli - The eastern Saracen Tower over the centuries, until 1800 when

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2. The Coast from S. Margherita to Zoagli 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland

it assumed its present aspect. It has Zoagli is also well known for its Chiavari Chiavari recently been renovated and is used handmade silk velvet fashioned on for exhibitions and artistic-cultural antique handlooms, particularly Chiavari is a coastal city that meetings. The WESTERN SARACEN because it is embossed silk. Tradi- has spread out on the flat land be- TOWER had a building constructed tional palm designs are often used tween the River, and an am- next to it that was used to host the to decorate materials, just as artisans ple valley leading inland. It is an at- garrison dedicated to controlling in the past used to do. The making of tractive tourist town and commer- the plague. Today, it has been turned these textiles originated in the XIII cial centre, its principal activities be- into a luxury residence, and is one century and was developed particu- ing residential and tertiary. It also of a group of historical Patrician vil- larly between 1400-1600. has rich antique traditions. It has a las, of Genoese Nobles, that are of Continuing the journey along favourable position at the meeting high artistic value, and noted for the sea towards Chiavari, one comes point of the Lavagna, Sturla and their beauty. across the CASTLE-VILLA of the writer Graveglia rivers, which guarantees The PARISH CHURCH of SAN MAR- and playwright SEM BENELLI and easy communication with the TINO (St. Martin) that was built in then the SANCTUARY OF THE MADON- Padano area. Right from Medieval 1725 and renovated after the second NA DELLE GRAZIE, a little church that times during Genoese dominion, it world war, houses two wooden is to be found on the hills. had a strategic and commercial role groups of sculptures, at- of primary importance. tributed to the Maragliano The history of Chiavari goes school, in addition to fres- back to at least eight centuries be- Chiavari – The “Carruggio Dritto”

Along the Aurelia road towards Zoagli towards road Along the Aurelia cos from the XIX Century. fore Christ, and is intertwined with The PROMENADE ALONG the history of the Etruscans. This is and boutiques add to its particular THE SEA KNOWN AS CANEVARO, proved by the remains of the character. offers an enchanting walk necropolis that have been found From the “carruggio” (narrow amongst the rocks and immediately inside the plain of the lane) one can reach the VIA RIVARO- the narrow paths that Entella river by professor Nino Lam- LA AND VIA RAVASCHIERI which are lead to the sea. It extends boglia, a great scholar of Ligurian parallel to the central street and on the two sides of the history. Various objects in cast iron boast some of buildings of the city. central beach, and is safe and bronze and pieces of amber, The most significant building is to walk along even in the found in rich tombs in enclosed Palazzo Rocca, built in 1629. At the winter, when the beaches burial sites, as well as other pre Ro- start it was known for its pureness often cannot be used. man remains, are to be found in the in line and style and later was ex- The sea bed around Zoagli MUSEO ARCHAEOLOGICAL DI PALAZZO tended and transformed with vari- is particularly adept to un- ROCCA. The Museum merits a visit. ous decorations. The park that sur- derwater exploration. The exploration of Chiavari rounds it is also interesting to visit. Besides the beauty of the can without doubt begin in it’s In via Ravaschieri the building inlet, with its various types historical centre. The famous which belongs to the Ravaschieri fam- of fauna and marine flora, “CARRUGGIO DRITTO” Via Martiri ily is also of importance as the seat the Statue of Our Lady of della Liberazione, is the street with of the ECONOMIC SOCIETY. On this the Sea is to be admired. It arches and arcades with clear street is also: The Cultural Associa- was sculpted by Marian medieval style. Sandstone and sla- tion - a place in which many debates Hastianatte and placed te and the decor in Genoese stile, and exhibitions are held, which has a in the sea in August give the road - a favourite walking very good library; The renaissance mu- 1996 in the bay next to the place - its distinctive aspect. Ele- seum with its picture gallery. In the central beach. Zoagli - Part of the walkway along the sea gant and exclusive specialist shops adjacent PIAZZA FENICE, is perhaps the

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3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland Chiavari Tourism, events and traditions GIACOMO DI R UPINARO, Chiavari has always been a com- which was mercial centre, and over the years, first built in it has become more and more

Chiavari the seventh important. It has also grown as a century and tourist port and because of its was rebuilt in bathing establishments. Given that 1300. it has facilities to cover both port Also in services and tourist requirements, the historic Chiavari has become one of the centre, is the most frequented tourist localities CHURCH OF SAN on the Ligurian Riviera. In Chia- GIOVANNI BAT- vari artisans craftwork still TISTA that goes exists. A particular type of chair, back to 1182. and macramé lace can be admired A corner of Via Rivorola The Baroque together with numerous other pie- as market square, because of the fruit features that were added on be- ces of furniture and antique objects and vegetable stalls that are to be tween 1624-1628 can be noted. In- The Building of the Black Porticoes in the characteristic market that found there every morning - is the side, there is a wooden Crucifix is held every second weeked on most beautiful building in the historical beautiful PALAZZO TORRIGLIA. Behind carved by Maragliano. The CHURCH OF the streets in the centre. The Feast centre - the PALAZZO DEI PORTICI NERI - the law courts (PALAZZO DI GIUSTIZIA) SAN FRANCESCO has been deconse- of the patron - Nostra Signora the building with the black arches - a building that goes back to 1404, but crated and is now used as an exhibi- dell’Orto, is held on the first three built in the fifteenth Century, and to- was renovated at the end of the eight- tion centre. The cupola and the bell days of July. The Sant’Antonio day completely restructured. een hundreds - with mullioned win- tower are from the seventeen hun- fair in January is also an impor- In the other central square in dows and battlements - is the TORRE dreds. The church together with Piaz- tant event. Local gastronomy is Chiavari, PIAZZA MAZZINI - also known DELLA CITTADELLA. It is a tower of great za Matteotti which it faces, are typical of other localities in eastern architectural prestige, built in 1505. amongst the most interesting build- Liguria - with specialities based on Piazza Mazzini and its market The Municipality building, that has re- ings in the city. fish and also a great variety of cently been restored, seasonal fruit and vegetables. faces the N.S. DELL’ORTO Farinata is a must. It is prepared SQUARE, where the every day in several typical eate- CATHEDRAL stands. It was ries in the historic centre. Vegeta- built in 1623-1624 and bles dominate the other dishes with was transformed in the “capon magro”, the various savou- eighteen hundreds. It ry pies, the ravioli fillings, the ever had a neo-classical present cima, and naturally, pesto. portico added to the Chiavari is also famous for two façade in 1907. On the types of handmade chocolate, inside of the cathedral which should be mentioned becau- you will find the main se of a long existing tradition – alter built in 1624 and they are “Caruggetti” and “Sorri- various canvases from si”. The former are solid chocolate the sixteen hundreds. and hazelnuts, while the latter The oldest church have rum in the centre. in the city is the SAN The Church of San Francesco

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3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland

Chiavari is also the city of large villas. to the ring road at Chiavari. Leivi and the Foot Path to the Five Towers All of Corso Millo up to Piazza del Po- Along the road, besides the polo shows a concentration of styles view of the Gulf, one can also ad- which include Liberty, and Classic Ligurian. mire the natural beauty of the area, In Piazza del Popolo is VILLA OTTONE. and the wonderful landscape. One can see parts of the Graveglia, and the Fontanabuona valleys, and the main mountains in the area. (Mounts: Porcile, Zatta, Penna, Aiona and Ramaceto). It is also possible to take this route on foot thanks to the “PATH OF THE FIVE TOWERS” so named, be- cause while walking one comes across one mediaeval tower and four bell towers. The itinerary which takes three and a half hours, follows an Panoramic view of the hills of Leivi old abandoned path, cleaned and cleared in 1998. For this walk you from there following an old mule colourful pebbles. The old name, set off from the centre of Chiavari, track going uphill. The first bell linked to the Longobard cult, indi- One of the villas on Corso Millo going from the “Carruggio” to the tower (which isn’t one of the five), cates that this church is very old.

Leivi and the Foot Path to the Five Towers to the Five Path Leivi and the Foot road that leads to the Castle and belongs to the Ri Alto church Continuing in a westerly which is in the municipality of Chi- direction we find the third tower Leivi and the Foot Path avari. Following the Ri lookout in Leivi: It is an old military lookout to the Five Towers tower we come across the first of tower, which is the symbol of the the five bell-towers within the mu- town. At the side is the fourth bell Between Chiavari and Val nicipality of Leivi which belongs to tower of the PARISH CHURCH OF SAN Fontana Buona is the Rupinaro val- the CHURCH OF SAN TOMMASO DEL RUFINO. This tower is in a domi- ley. It is a hilly area used for olive CURLO. The oldest deeds of this nant position on the ridge of the and grape cultivation. Leivi is in building, which was substantially hill, one of the principal centres of this area. It is made up of several renovated in 1600, go back to the the economic and social life of Lei- small hamlets that are famous for XII century. vi. Despite its repainting and resto- their production of olive oil. This is There are now two ways to ration between the 600’s and backwater countryside and the sea proceed: continue on the northern 700’s, the imposing structure of often dominates the landscape. side, crossing some beautiful the church has never changed. One as can be sen in the chestnut woods with a view of the After a short stretch on a panoramic areas of rare beauty Graveglia valley and Sestri Levante, tarred road, one gets to the Bocco, found here, particularly when go- or continue on the southern side which then proceeds to San ing from San Pier di Canne, to with an open view of the Gulf of Colombano Certenoli, and Leivi. The road, which runs in a cir- Tigullio. Both paths arrive at the Fontanabuona. The path crosses cle, touches San Terenziano, ar- second bell tower of the CHURCH OF the old village of Leivi, which is a rives at the Bocco, goes past the SAN BARTOLOMEO, formerly known centre of well renovated buildings, hamlets of San Rufino, San Bar- as San Michele, with its character- and arrives at the last bell tower - tolomeo and Curlo and then back Leivi – The Church of San Bartolomeo istic church square decorated with that of the CHURCH OF SAN LORENZO

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3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland

- the oldest church of Leivi, that Lavagna. Together with Cavi, Lava- Tourism, events and traditions Lavagna belonged to the Dioceses of , gna has the biggest sandy beaches in Lavagna offers very good Tourist accommodation, and other facilities. at one time. western Liguria. It is well known that There are numerous hotels, residences, shops, bars, and restaurants, From here the return journey Lavagna has an old tradition of cut- which make up the main economic resource of the city. The tourist port

Lavagna begins crossing woods until Maxe- ting and working slate that was most is one of the biggest in the Mediterranean, and is protected by a pier run- na. After going down a few steps, probably carried out from Roman ning parallel to the coast, and extending for more than one kilometre pro- one gets to San Pier di Canne, and times or even before that. tects it. This has moorings for over 1600 boats, and also offers different then after a half-hour walk the The city was in open conflict with types of modern services land side. To commemorate its illustrious past, journey ends in the centre of Chia- Genoa until 1198, the year in which the famous feast known as the Torta dei Fieschi is held on 14th August vari. the gave up the territory each year. People dress up in costumes, and a grand historical procession to the municipality, becoming citizens is held. There is also a tournament between knights. In Piazza Vittorio and participating in the same political Veneto slices of a gigantic cake are handed out. This weighs about 1 ton ups and downs of the city. Two Popes, and is made by master confectioners in Lavagna. The cake is distributed Pope Innocent IV, and , Lavagna during a game; everybody can buy one or more tickets – pink for women 72 cardinals, and several admirals, and blue for men. All the participants have to find their soul mate who Situated on the delta to the army leaders, and scholars came from is carrying exactly the same ticket as his or hers, and together they can left of the river Entella, Lavagna the Fieschi family. The fortunes of the go and collect a piece of cake. The celebration recalls the magnificent wed- forms a single town with Chiavari, powerful family came to an end in ding of Count Opizzo Fieschi and the Sienese Countess Bianca dei Bian- which extends on the right of the riv- 1547, when Gian Luigi Fieschi was chi, that took place in 1230, and was followed by many people with the er. The river forms the boundary killed in Genoa during a conspiracy distribution of slices of an enormous cake. that separates the municipalities of against Andrea Doria. Other events are the feast of the patron saint Santo Stefano, which is held Chiavari and Lavagna. Lavagna has many examples of on the first Sunday in August, the feast dedicated to Our Lady of Carmi- The coastal and inland area with mediaeval buildings in the beautiful his- ne on 16th July, also a walnut festival in September and the San Simone interesting itineraries leading from torical centre such as arcades sup- fair in October. the sea to the hills, is the most impor- ported by solid columns with carved tant attraction for tourists who visit capitals. It is not difficult to find archi- traves from the seventeen hundreds Lavagna - The Saracen tower and doorways from the fourteen hundreds emboldened by antique inscriptions. In the middle of the town centre, between Via XX Settembre and Via Cavour, there is a SARACEN TOWER - a lookout tower built in the fifteen fif- teen hundreds. This was often linked to the Fieschi family. Over the centuries it has been used for many dif- ferent purposes - even a home - and nowadays after its restoration, it is used as a museum. Concerts and exhibitions are also organised in its small Genoese Garden. The BASILICA OF SANTO STEFANO is worth a mention. It was built in Lavagna - 1653 on the site of the former The Basilica parish church built in 994, which of Santo Stefano

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3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland

covered a large area. The Basilica wooden crucifix and in the nearby feud of the Fieschi Cogorno, has an elegant façade, with a bell- oratory, there is a polyptych of the tower on each side, and wide steps XVI century. The church square leading up to it. On the inside it is decorated in pebble mosaic is par- possible to see rich Baroque decora- ticularly beautiful. tion, a canvas of the Crucifixion painted by Francesco Piola, and fi- Cogorno, feud nally the Black Crucifix – a reproduc- of the Fieschi tion of the sacred image of St. Luke. The CHURCH OF NOSTRA SIGNO- Near one of the bridges that RA DEL CARMINE (Our Lady of connects Lavagna and Chiavari, on Carmine) built in 1631 and since the road that leads to San Salvatore renovated, is without doubt the dei Fieschi, is the CHURCH OF MADON- most loved in the town, mainly by NA DEL PONTE. It was built in the fishermen and sailors, who have left fourteen hundreds but later renovat- Cogorno, feud of the Fieschi their votive This church is also in ed. It has a contemporary fresco on the historical centre, and its clois- the façade and a valuable baptismal ters are used as the local library. font on the inside. It was named The CHURCH OF SANTA GIULIA PONTE DELLA because of CENTAURA dates back to 1654. It is the XIII century bridge built by the Fi- The hills of Cogorno, with a view of the Gulf Tigullio reached from Lavagna by follow- eschis between the two villages. ing directions for a little village, al- COGORNO has its origins in pre The Lavagna motorway junction beautiful views. The PARISH CHURCH so called Lavagna, situated on one Roman times. It is made up of the point is not far away. OF SAN LORENZO at Cogorno, that of the most beautiful hills in the village on the panoramic hills and the Cogorno is surrounded by has a beautiful polyptych and the whole Levante area. On the inside centre of San Salvatore dei Fieschi, beautiful countryside that rises to CHURCH OF SAN COLOMBANO DELLA of the church, there is a Byzantine where the Municipality can be found. the top of Mount San Giacomo. This COSTA should be seen. The latter, has been terraced in typical Ligurian was first constructed by the Monks style, held up by walls that have been from the Monastery of San Colom- patiently built with chipped stones. bano di , in the high mediae- For centuries olive trees have been val period. Finally, the CHURCH OF cultivated here. Apart from San BRECCANECCA deserves a mention. Salvatore, the munici- It goes back to the XIII pality includes Century, and is the hamlets of situated at the Breccanecca, top of a hill in San Colom- a panoramic bano della position. Costa, and The Monticelli. most im- The paths portant and the hill buildings in roads that lead the area how- to these areas ever, are in the offer the most village of San

Lavagna - A partial view of the historical centre from the Basilica square Olive groves on the terraces at Breccanecca

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3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland

To the feud of the Fieschi Cogorno, side, is the PALAZZO DEI FIESCHI. This belonged to the family who had the monu- mental church constructed. Probably con- temporary to the church, the residence is built on two floors. It has a Cogorno, feud of the Fieschi façade in black and white - stri- pes of white The San Salvatore dei Fieschi buildings marble and black slate, and Salvatore, and make up the mediae- TORE IL VECCHIO, so named because a loggia with val complex of the Basilica of the Fi- it was built on a previous building two arches, eschi, which has been declared a na- site, which existed before the fa- which rest on a tional monument. It is the most im- mous basilica. central column. portant architectural structure from On the façade mediaeval times left in the area. From The Church of San Salvatore “il vecchio” of the upper a narrow road through the village floor, elegant one reaches a pretty yet irregular “quadrifore” shaped square. The area that sur- (four arched) rounds the monument, is framed windows in by olive trees, gardens, and small marble, with houses hidden in the green which slender The Fieschi building follows a clear Mediaeval plan. The columns and surface of the square has been cov- capitals, complete the courtly resi- celebrate the stag night, L’addiu ered with a mosaic of stones from dence. du fantin, of Count Opizzo Fieschi, the river. On one side of the square This piece of the medieval destined to wed Bianca de’ is the BASILICA DEI FIESCHI (see the world, which has remained Bianchi of Lavagna. At the end of article on page 36). This is typical unchanged over time, becomes the month on the hills of of Ligurian Romanesque-Gothic ar- animated in the month of August Cogorno, there is a new chitecture - severe and functional. by the so called “Fliscane Feasts”. remembrance - the newly weds Almost in front of the church, on On the 13th, day before the feast return to their courtly residence, an area raised by a few steps, is an- of the Fieschi Cake in Lavagna, a and during the feast (strictly in other church, tall and narrow, large number of people in period costume) artists and clearly dating to the seventeen. costume, dancers, soldiers, flag artisans of the era exhibit works of This is the CHURCH OF SAN SALVA- wavers, and men on horseback, art in the court of trades.

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Itineraries and areas

Key: Mount Portofino (page 2) The Coast from Santa Margherita to Zoagli (page 12) Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland (page 23) The Fontanabuona Valley (page 38) The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys (page 46) Sestri Levante and its valleys (page 59)

Gambatesa Mines

The Slate Route

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3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland 3. Chiavari, Lavagna and their hinterland

Guide to the Basilica of San Salvatore dei Fieschi marble rose window. The doorway has a OF SANGUIDE TO SALVATORE THE BASILICA DEI FIESCHI slight splay of six small columns with a The History of the Basilica lunette. This was decorated in the four- of San Salvatore is tied to the teen hundreds by a fresco figuring struggle between Emperor Fed- Christ on the cross, the Madon- erico II of Svevia and Pope Inno- na, Saint John and Sinibaldo cenzo IV around the mid twelve and Ottobono Fieschi. On the hundreds. In 1245 Federico II, façade, instead of the usual in order to take revenge for being two side doors, two pilasters excommunicated by the Pope, and two polygonal windows had the estates of the Fieschi at announce the presence of the San Salvatore plundered, the three naves in the church. The Maddalena Bridge over the En- cornice decoration of arches, tella River destroyed, and even though more simplified, is Lavagna set on fire. On the ru- used under the roof and again on ins of San Salvatore, Pope Inno- the bell tower. On the façade above cent IV and his nephew Otto- it, is a row of stones placed like the teeth bono Fieschi, future Pope Adri- of a saw. The cornice is richly decorated ano V, ordered the laying of the by small symbolic marble statues representing foundations of the Basilica. human heads and figures, that appear on the inside of the arches, as well as on the corbels. Work began in the same year The feature, which confirms the grand Romanesque influence of the Basilica of San Salva- and terminated in 1252. It was tore is without doubt the mighty bell tower. It has a square floor plan, and is built on two built by “ma-gistri antelami”, floors, lit up by elegant “quadrifore” (four arched) windows with paired columns, culmina- master masons who had been working in Genoa for more than a century on stone build- ting in a high cusp with an octagonal base. On ings. An inscription on the doorway records this event. The Basilica was given important the corners of these are four big pinnacles. privileges, and above all many estates were annexed to it. In this way, not only was it a On the inside, the naves are subdivided by three

GUIDE TO THE BASILICA OF SAN SALVATORE DEI FIESCHI THE BASILICA SALVATORE GUIDE TO OF SAN warning for the emperor, but also for Genoa, which, with the extension of its law in this columns on which the “sferocubico” capitals rest. area of Levante, threatened the estates of the Fieschis, counts of Lavagna. This is a feature that is particular to, and fre- The layout of the church of San Salvatori, is that of a quently used in the Genoese area. Some have Basilica, with three naves. The apse with a structure of three smooth surfaces and others have an ornamental quadrangular chapels forms one of the most original groove. These hold up the arches upon which the and interesting elements of the building. The entire rear walls that extend to the roof rest. The covering, part reveals a vertical emphasis, with walls that rise partly renovated - using a Genoese architectural above the apse, but it is weighed down by the powerful technique of the XII Century - is done partly in bulk of the tower, which rises from the centre of the Basi- wood and partly in stone. The central nave is lica, at the point where the naves cross. The internal covered with a wooden trussed ceiling with moul- division of the bays is characteristic of Romanesque ded beams and varnished boards of wood, that architecture, with rectangular naves. Six rounded extend over the lateral naves. The presbytery and columns sustain the central one. The façade is made up of the apse are covered by a cross vault. The minor alternate white and black stripes. Under the sloping roof is apses have simple barrel vaults. the traditional cornice of suspended arches, which continue all around the perimeter. The central part has a beautiful

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4. The Fontanabuona Valley 4. The Fontanabuona Valley

used to be part of the defence system of the banks of the river, not far away. The The Valley bed from Carasco to Gattorna the territory of Garibaldo. Another testi- church was then rebuilt in 1705, and to- mony to the strategic position of Caras- day it is in the middle of Carasco. co is the fortification at Rivarola erected Apart from the settlement from by the Genoese in the XII century. It was which it takes its name, the Municipali- in the heart of the Fieschi estates, built in ty also includes the hamlets of SANTA order to contrast to the excessive MARIA and SAN PIETRO DI STURLA which lifestyle of the Lords of Lavagna. The have two very pretty churches situated castle, in the centre of a big bend respectively on the right and left banks formed by the river, ceased to be gar- of the river. risoned and fell into ruins. Today there Following on, one comes are only the ruins of the surrounding across the territory of SAN COLOMBANO wall left. CERTENOLI divided into many hamlets The PRIORY OF SANT’EUFEMIANO DI and localities, some of which are in the GRAVEGLIA built before the year 1000 Fontanabuona valley, while others are by monks from the powerful in the adjacent Cicana Valley. It also got Monastery of San Colombano di Bob- its name because of the Monastery of bio is an important building. The pres- San Colombano, founded by the Bene- The beginning of Fontanabuona Valley with the Lavagna river and Carasco ent building, in which the ashes of the dictine monks who came from Bobbio. Saint are kept, was rebuilt in 1866. Many hamlets were built and develo- The Monks of San Colombano al- ped because of these monks. As proof The Fontanabuona valley runs The Valley bed so built the CHURCH AND THE CONVENT OF of how old the settlement is, in places The Valley bed from Carasco to Gattorna Carasco bed from The Valley along the Lavagna River, leaving from Carasco SAN MARZIANO MARTIRE. There is some such as Romaggi, Camposasco, Certe- from the centre of Carasco. It winds to Gattorna trace of this old church which was de- noli and Cichero, the churches are all its way for more than twenty-five stroyed several times by the floods mediaeval. However, all of them have kilometres through a succession of CARASCO, which is further in- caused by the Lavagna river in the been altered during the centuries that small and big villages. The State road land from Chiavari, is the natural ac- XVII century, in a farmhouse that is on followed. A church that merits being n. 225 is the main artery and follows cess to the Graveglia, Sturla and this water course, running parallel to Fontanabuona valleys. it. From this road, other provincial or Car-asco in old Ligurian meant less important roads radiate to places “head of the water course”. The vil- higher up the mountains. In the fol- lage is at the meeting point of the lowing three paragraphs, that de- Lavagna and Sturla rivers. The old scribe the main places of historical bridge that connected Chiavari to the and artistic interest, and also places valleys, which were fundamental for of interest with regard to their land- commerce with , was the cen- scape or naturalistic features, the tre of attraction in the original nucleus places at the base of the valley will be of the village and was already popu- examined first. Following this the lated in Roman times. The bridge roads that lead off from here, to the was destroyed many times by frequent right towards moutain passes that flooding, but was totally rebuilt in stone lead to the Padana Valley, as well as at the end of the XVII Century. those on the left that go to Genoa or Amongst the interesting sites, are the mount of Portofino will be the ruins of the castle on the hills of Pag- The Rivarola hill looked at. gi, dating back to the fifth Century. It in Carasco

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4. The Fontanabuona Valley 4. The Fontanabuona Valley Itineraries in the direction of the sea: Lumarzo, Uscio and Tribogna in the direction of the sea: Lumarzo, Itineraries seen, is the SANCTUARY OF NOSTRA and commercial exchanges of the old tower and the imposing mass of the SIGNORA DELLA GUARDIA at SAN MARTINO whole district. The centre of the town SANCTUARY OF THE MADONNA DEI MIRA- DEL MONTE, in a panoramic position is very old. It increased its administra- COLI. The Sanctury is a well-known cen- over the whole valley, which can be rea- tive importance in 1815 after the an- tre of devotion and a destination for pil- ched by deviating from the main road nexation of Liguria to the State of grimages made by the descendants of and driving for three kilometres. Savoy. In 1848, Giuseppi Garibaldi was emmigrants. At CALVARI a fair called “Expo elected to the Subalpine Parliament in Cicagna is well known for the Fontanabuona” has been held every this very constituency. In the historical extraction and working of slate. The year since 1982. Artisans, Agricultur- centre the silent “caruggi” (lanes) antique works in the Chiapparino ists and tourism related businesses merit a visit. In particular the one of locality are one of the most intere- from eastern Liguria, exhibit at this the “posta vecchia” and the lane that sting stops in the ECOMUSEO DELL’AR- fair. People from the valleys and runs from the bridge towards the DESIA trails. It is an industrial structure places along the coast, take part. church. Both start from Piazza Garibal- built at the end of the eighteen hun- Staying on the state road from Cal- di, which has been the heart of Ci- dreds. It is now used as an exhibition vari and carrying on for a few kilome- cagna from the end of the eighteen site where one can see all the present tres, one gets to the basin between hundreds. Several old buildings with uses of the “pria negra” (black sto- Pianezza and MONLEONE, a focal frescos on them are proof of this. ne). Blackboards for schools, billiard centre of the valley economy. As a The BELL-TOWER in SAN GIOVAN- tables, windowsills, clocks and kit- consequence of the town growth NI, which is isolated in the square, is the chenware are made from it. In the and development in the lower part most significant monument, to survi- Town Council hall, one can admire of the valley, Monleone has now be- ve after the old church was demoli- the bass reliefs in slate by the Ital- come an overspill of Cicagna. There is shed. In 1993 it was renovated and Peruvian sculptor, Vittorio Tollo Maz- The Valley bed from Carasco to Gattorna Carasco bed from The Valley an uninterrupted line of houses built this brought to light its primitive Roma- zola. These illustrate the history of the along both sides of the road until the nesque structure, attributed to the Municipality. PALAZZO CAVAGNARI, a main town of the province. same Lombard school responsible beautiful eighteenth century building, CICAGNA is the most populated for other buildings in Eastern Liguria is the seat of the Fontanabuona town in the valley. It has always been and the Genoese area. There is a great Mountain Community. Leaving Cica- Cicagna – The San Giovanni bell-tower the reference point for the social life contrast between the elegance of the gna, the road still follows the tortuous course of the Lavagna River, that so, who after the second world war Cicagna - A view of the centre and of Ponte Vecchio brings one to FERRANDA, a town at the began to manufacture toys created by foot of the Moconesi mountainside. him with salvaged materials, and then The CHURCH OF SANT’ANNA, the oldest sell them all over Europe. His firm exists Baroque church at the base of the val- even today, side by side with many ley, has a narrow bell tower at its side, others that have come up since. with an unusual layered surface. GATTORNA is to be found at the Itineraries in the direction confluence of the river Lavagna and of the sea: Lumarzo, the river Neirone. The locality is a cen- Uscio and Tribogna tre of great tradition in the field of handcrafted toys. From here, during From Gattorna, the itinerary along the last century, the inhabitants used to the valley floor (besides going to- emigrate to France, and Hol- wards the north to Neirone), splits into land, where they used to go to sell toys two directions: The first arrives at the at fairs and on the roadsides of the coast at Recco, passing the territory of towns. Amongst these was Luigi Bas- the Municipality of Uscio. The second

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4. The Fontanabuona Valley 4. The Fontanabuona Valley

continues to run alongside the Lavagna polychromatic cross that dates to the Towards the Padana Plains: Neirone, Lorsica and Orero river for a few kilometres and arrives at fourteen hundreds. Lumarzo, and then goes across the hills Continuing along the road one of Bargalla and into the valley gets to AVEGNO, a Municipality that be- and to Genoa. Following the second al- came independent from Uscio only in ternative, one gets to the Municipality 1797. It is made up of several hamlets of LUMARZO which is made up of differ- spread out on the banks of the river for ent hamlets spread around in prevalent- its foundry which makes church ly wooded areas, where chestnut and bells. The CHURCH OF SANTA MARGHERI- olive trees dominate the landscape. On TA in the Testana locality has a wooden the watershed between Val altarpiece that depicts the story of the Fontanabuona and the Recco Valley, Passion, and is attributed to the Flem- near the hamlet of Pannesi, is the SANC- mish School of the XVI century. TUARY OF NOSTRA SIGNORA DEL BOSCO. It TRIBOGNA is another centre of the was erected in the XVI century, probably upper Fontanabuona valley at the Tribogna - The bas-relief in slate of the Municipal Building on a pre-existing construction, at a spot foot of Mount Borgo. Beyond Tri- where according to tradition, the bogna, after crossing the higher parts of Madonna appeared to a deaf and the Recco valley, those who come from the inland areas can reach the sea. have a historical centre but many small dumb person, who after the event, Tribogna is one of the slate nuclei, or individual houses spread out was miraculously able to speak. capitals which, for yearhas been on the slopes, like the typical structure The sanctuary - one of the an irreplaceable resource. For this of a “transit station”. On the first Sun- most visited in the province of reason, on the sides of the balcony of day in August, in the hamlet of Genoa - has been provided the PALAZZO MUNICIPALE, there is a 26 Canevale, a statue of the patron - San with facilities which were panel relief in slate which illustra- Giacomo (Saint James) - depicted on developed on the occasion tes the history of the village, transfi- horseback while fighting the Moors - of its jubilee in 2000. gured in a sort of nowadays is the object of a very festive pro- Using the first of the mythology. Seasons, religious feasts, cession, which is most impressive. two deviations indicated and local history fuse together in a gra- at Gattorna, and driving cious and suggestive representation. In Towards the Padana about 10 kilometres, one the Avegno locality is the quarry theatre Plains: Neirone, Lorsica gets to the little village of of Mount Tuggio, one of the most and Orero USCIO, after ten kilome- spectacular stops of the Slate Eco tres. It is an ancient settle- museum trails. Centuries of work to In the upper Fontanabuona val- ment. The centre of the extract slate has carved a type of ley between Lumarzo and Gattorna, village is dominated by amphitheatre on the rocky surface with the first of the secondary valleys the Romanesque PARISH the large steps formed by square blocks leading towards the North opens

Itineraries of the sea: Lumarzo, in the direction Uscio and Tribogna CHURCH OF SANT’AMBBRO- cut by machinery in the last century. up. This route leads towards the GIO, proof that the church COREGLIA, on the southern ridge Trebbia valley, the area, and depended for centuries on of the valley, is a village that has very the Padana plains. Neirone, Cor- the diocese of Milan. The few inhabitants. It is on the slopes of siglia and Roccatagliata indicate the building, dating back to Mount Pegge. The road to the Cro- direction of an important road, as the XI century, has three cetta (little cross), climbs upwards, past well as a scenic route. naves and a beautiful terraces, vegetable gardens and and At NEIRONE, a village on the hills, wooden ceiling. Above orchards but it never crosses a real there is a Parish church called San the alter is a beautiful Uscio – The Parish Church of Sant’Ambrogio village because Coreglia does not Maurizio, which has a beautiful square

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4. The Fontanabuona Valley 4. The Fontanabuona Valley

in front of it which faces the valley. in mountain vegetation and conifer settlement on the Towards the Padana Plains: Neirone, Lorsica and Orero ROCCATAGLIATA is to be found al- woods. There is also the CHURCH OF slopes of the moun- most on the summit of the Appenines SAN MARTINO DEL VENTO. It is situated tains is famous for the spine and is built on the summit of a in the Tasso locality. The building has production of pre- steep rocky spur. The nucleus of the vil- Romanesque characteristics and exist- cious fabrics in silk lage, which is of medieval origin and a ed in 1240 but some say that its foun- which in the past Fieschi stronghold was developed all dations were laid before the end of the adorned the homes around the castle. The castle was built first century. Its shape is basic, its lines of Genoese nobles. before the tenth Century, and was the are simple, and its low roof like one of Nowadays only base of feudal administration and later a simple dwelling, with a stumpy bell one firm produces the passed on to the Fieschi family who tower on top, expresses the austerity damasks and fabric used it as an outpost for defence of the primitive Christian religion. for Macramè, which against the government of the Repub- Other itineraries go upwards still owns more than lic. From the plans, parts of the tower from the state road towards the north three hundred designs A view of the little village of Lorsica and the walls are still legible. across the secondary valleys: the first from the XVI Century SAN MARCO D’URRI is a parish begins at Monleone and running to be used when making the fabrics. A second deviation near Pian formed by the hamlets of Lazeruola along the basin of the Malvaro, gets to The centre of FAVALE DI MALVARO, dei Ratti rises towards Soglio and and Bozzola, and it can be reached towns like Lorsica and Favale, and a typically agricultural settlement in Casareggio. In this case too the route from Roccatagliata and from Neirone across the Scoglina pass, to the Trebbia which stock raising has always flour- is very old and as proof of its age, along the path on Mount Carena, or valley. The second goes up the various ished, is very well kept. Here it is possi- there is the CHAPEL OF SAINTS NAZARIO ridges of Mount Ramace- ble to see how materials such as slate AND CELSO, which is immersed in un- to and crossing the and rocks from the local mountains, dergrowth in the hamlet of CANAUS- ridge of the Ven- which have been cut into square SA and half hidden by the vegetation. tarola pass de- blocks, are used as the corner stones It is one of the few examples that still scends into the of most of the buildings. The PARISH exist in Liguria, work of the two d’Aveto Valley. CHURCH OF SAN VINCENZIO, from the saints who arrived in the region in On the first XVII Century, dominates the town. the year 78 AD. The chapel was used journey, the The first of the itineraries lead- until 1800. It was then transformed road runs along ing to Mount Ramaceto from the into a barn after the construction of

Towards the Padana Plains: Neirone, Lorsica and Orero Plains: Neirone, the Padana Towards an ancient bottom of the valley, climbs upwards the larger church of Casareggio. route, that used from Pianezza and arrives at a locali- The third and last itinerary orig- to connect nu- ty called ORERO. This little centre has inates at Calvari and going up past merous mills been important since ancient times, the little village of Frigale, it gets to that were fed because it was a place of transit be- the village of ROMAGGI. The mediae- by the water tween and the Riviera. The val nucleus leans against the CASTEL- from the nearby route used to pass the “Via del Pane LO. The houses, which nowadays river. One e del Sale” (the bread and salt road). are almost all uninhabited, still have comes across Even today on this road it is possible the square stones, which were char- VERZI, agglom- to see some paved stretches left over acteristic of the first settlements The little church of San Martino del Vento in upper Fontanabuona erates spread from Roman times, that were used that sprung up. Of the Castle, only by road, by climbing from Ognio. At out on different terraces, and FIGARO- by mule-drivers who loaded their the base of the surrounding wall still San Marco there is a church known by LO, famous at the time for its castle. It mules with oil and salt in Rapallo, exists, while the only part that is sill the same name, that was erected in has a curious church, SAN TERENZIANO, and off-load these at Piacenza, inhabited of the village has a small 1603, but is very much prettier, proba- fruit of numerous additions, that testi- where they loaded up with cheese triangular area with the BAROQUE bly due to the fact that it is immersed fy the Romanesque phase. LORSICA, a and wheat for their return journey. CHURCH OF SAN MICHELE in it.

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5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys 5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys The Graveglia Valley from route Ne to Reppia The Graveglia Valley Garibaldo, apparently named after a Gosita. From the square of the CHAPEL route from Ne Lombard Sovereign who was de- OF SAN ROCCO, a beautiful oratory to Reppia throned and found refuge in the area. dedicated to the saint of the same At Campo di Ne, in the lower name, one can enjoy a magnificent The vast territory of the Graveg- valley, is the church of Santa Maria panorama in this part of the valley. lia valley coincides with the Munici- Assunta, built in the sixteen hun- Near the hamlet called GOSITA, while pality of Ne, that consists of numer- dreds on antique foundations. A little walking along a path it is possible to ous localities, centres and hamlets. In beyond in the centre of Conscenti, a admire a fantastic example of an Oak all they add up to about fifty. deviation takes one to the small VAL- that is centuries old. The circumfer- NE stands for “Nae” or “nave” LEY OF CHIESANUOVA. Here, in the little ence of the trunk at the widest part, is (ship) and refers to the characteristic village of OSTI, are the remains of the almost 5 meters. At FRISOLINO there is shape of the highest summit of the oldest church in the area, SAN a mediaeval bridge called PONTE DELLE area - Mount Zatta (1404 meters). MICHELE. On an isolated hillock, there ROCCHE. The villages of Nascio and This is linked by an itinerary of great are traces of a Romanesque apse that Cassagna are pretty and characteris- environmental and panoramic inter- was built in squared stone. Even in tic. They are in the upper valley and est, with Mount Chiappozzo, Mount the hamlet of SAMBUCETO there is one can be arrived at by deviating from Porcile and the Biscia pass (892 me- of the oldest and most interesting the main road. ters) This pass connects the Graveglia churches of the valley, dedicated to NASCIO, which is situated in an valley to the Vara Valley. SAINTS CIPRIANO AND GIUSTINA who The bridge at Nascio elevated position on the slopes of The district opens up a little be- were already cited in the XIII century. Monte Bianco is an antique nucleus yond Lavagna. One gets to it from the This was rennovated in recent times; are represented by what remains of of some unusual buildings. In the me- road that leads from San Salvatore di it has a precious apse in squared its historical monuments: the (ruins diaeval period it was supposed that Cogorno and deviates at Carasco. stone, in Romanesque style. of) RESTI DI CASTELLO and (the house- the place had a castle that was The Municipal centre is at CONSCENTI, ZERLI, in a panoramic site, domi- tower of) LA CASA-TORRE DEI GARIBAL- perched on the rock near the present

The Graveglia Valley route from Ne to Reppia Ne route from Valley The Graveglia a zone that is at the meeting poing nates the mouth of the upper valley DI. From the castle, built to protect PARISH CHURCH SANTA MARIA AND SAN of two main water courses that and is one of the centres of major in- the village, on a rocky spur, there MICHELE which was built in 1565, cross the valleys: the Reppia and the terest. The most significant elements, are some ruins of the tower and a and then underwent renovation at paved mule-track that can be reached, by start- ing off from the parish church. Not far away the so- called house-tower of Garibaldi is visi- ble. Even though the building is in ru- ins, elements from the thirteen hun- dreds are still visi- ble. There are many small villages in this area: Salino, Adreveno, Costa, The ruined apse at San Michele di Osti San Rocco and Nascio village

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5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys 5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys

The valley terminates with the Lavagna to the Repubblic of Genoa, Along the Sturla river, from Carasco to Forcella Pass vast PRATO DEL BISCIA, a place for Sun- which put it under the jurisdiction of day picnics, and Spring feasts. From Chiavari. this ample green area there is the Prati di is the seat of most unusual panorama in the the Municipality. The PARISH CHURCH whole Ligurian Apennine area. The DELL’ASSUNTA, goes back to 1272, and is Gravellia valley, from a gastronomic the oldest church, while NOSTRA SIGNO- point of view has restaurants and RA DEL CARMINE, is of the XVI century. agricultural establishments that offer Proceeding along the road one comes products which are typical of the area to BORGONOVO, one of the most impor- and are amongst the most renowned tant centres. In the nearby village called in the whole of the Tigullio inland CORERALLO there is a very nice sixteenth area. In a characteristic (agricultural century church situated on a panoram- market) MERCATO AGRICOLO, at CON- ic hill. From Borgonovo the road divides SCENTI, respecting an old farming tra- - one road goes towards , dition, genuine farm products are and the other goes to the villages of sold. People are invited - after they Ponte Giacomo and San Siro Foce, until A pretty corner in the village of Cassagna have tasted the various products in a it arrives at Passo del Bocco, which con- renowned local restaurant, to buy di- nects Liguria with Emilia. From SAN SIRO the beginning of the nineteen hun- ened and turned into a house in rectly from the producers. FOCE - a small rural centre which has dreds, financed by inhabitants of the 1930. One can get a more beautiful At Iscoli artisans produce testi maintained its original structure - one village who had emigrated to Buenos view, by following a path on the op- those particular clay plates used to can take part in an excursion to Mount Aires. The previous Parish church of posite side of the village until a little cook the typical “testaieu” on an Zatta. the place, which was also called San after Nascio across the imposing and open fire. These are like “focacce” of BORSONASCA, whose territory coin-

The Graveglia Valley route from Ne to Reppia Ne route from Valley The Graveglia Michele and used to serve the inhab- elegant PONTE SETTECENTESCO (seven- flour, water and salt, that are then cides with a big part of the Sturla valley, itants of Nascio, Cassagna and teenth Century bridge) on the river eaten with olive oil, pesto or cheese. Borzonasca Statale, was above the hills amongst Novelli. chestnut trees in a place called Cro- At REPPIA, almost at the sum- Along the Sturla river, cetta. The ruins of that very old mit of the valley, is the church of from Carasco to church which was abandoned SANT’APOLLINARE. It contains a trip- Forcella Pass when the new religious buildings tych of the XVI Century. From here, were built in Nascio and Statale, can it is possible to get to the MINIERA DI Running along the easy state be seen, by making a brief deviation GAMBATESA, a manganese quarry road that goes from Chiavari to Caras- on a dirt road, from the main road. where a sort of park/museum has co and onwards, one enters the green CASSAGNA is one of the most in- been built depicting the mining ac- Sturla valley, which has a great variety of teresting and better preserved villages tivities. It is possible to visit the tun- environmental and naturalistic aspects. of the valley and of the entire eastern nels on little wagons that once MEZZANEGO is the first of the two munic- part of Liguria. The structure of the served to transport the mineral, ac- ipalities of the valley which extends to settlement is compact, with arches companied by miners who worked the east until the Bocco pass. In the cen- and internal passages in stone and in these mines. Not far away, above tre of Mezzanego, there used to be one beautiful slate roofs. At the start of the village of Casesoprane, across a of the four fortresses that formed the the village, on the side that can be historical path, one gets to the top defence system of the Sturla valley. This reached by road, near the chapel of of Monte Chiappozzo and of existed at the end of the XII Century San Rocco, the structure of a tower Monte Zatta from where one can when the territory passed from the can still be identified. It was short- see the chain of the Cozie Alps. sphere of influence of the Fieschi of

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5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys 5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys

is a XVII Century fers typical mountain cooking. From Along the Sturla river, from Carasco to Forcella Pass canvas of the here it is possible to go on excursions Madonna and a pre- on the whole of the coastal side of cious wooden statue the Apennines - routes that permit of San Giacomo. The one to admire the abundance of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF fauna and the environment in the val- SAN BARTOLOMEO leys. It is also possible to closely ob- dates to 1628. At serve the life of farmers and shep- the end of the vil- herds who live and work in the ru- lage, is the ORATORIO ral houses and in the typical mountain DELLA NATIVITÀ. On pastures, where one can also buy typ- its doorway there ical products from the area: honey, is an inscription chestnut flour, salami, mushrooms that takes it back to and cheese. 1460. About four One of these itineraries leads to kilometres from the MALGA DI PERLEZZI at the foot of Borzonasca – A characteristic doorway in stone village, going up the Mount Aiona, and the LAGO DI GIA- valley of the river COPIANE (Giacopiane Lake) - one of was built on the river with the same Borzone, is the most significant monu- the best known and appreciated des- name, in the centre of a valley of ment of the area, built in a really beauti- tinations for excursionists. It is also great historical and environmental in- ful place. It is the ABBAZIA DI SANT’AN- possible to get to this place by road terest. The mass of Mount Aiona, that DREA DI BORZONE (Abbey of St. Andrea of from a deviation at CAMPORI. rises to 1700 meters is one of the high- Borzone). Originally this monastery was Sopralacroce - The ruins of the old church of est summits of the Ligurian Apennines, dependent on the one that was found- San Martino of Licciorno and can be reached following numer- ed by Saint Colombano at Bobbio (see ous excursion itineraries that gives one the notes on page 52). GARO and above all SOPRALACROCE, the chance to appreciate the uncontam- Other hamlets have retained nowadays a nucleus of five small ag- inated nature of these places. traces of the late mediaeval period. glomerates, which, around the year Along the Sturla river, from Carasco to Forcella Pass to Forcella Carasco from river, Along the Sturla The village of Borzonasca still has Amongst these are TEMOSSI, BERTI- one thousand were the property of notable traces of the aforementioned Monastery of its past. The lanes Bobbio. From the church of Vallepi- in the centre have ana, one of the five localities of So- shops with pralacroce, while walking down to stone structures, the bottom of the valley using a curved and gothic path in the middle of woods, one arches, and su- comes across the ruins of SAN MAR- perb doorways TINO DI LICCIORNO hidden in vegeta- with flat arches. tion. It used to be the Parish church The ORATORIO DEI of the area at one time. SANTI GIACOMO E Also at Sopralacroce, in the hamlet FILIPPO, at the en- called PRATO one can turn on to a dirt trance to the vil- road that arrives at the refuge of PRATO lage, already exist- MOLLO. It is at 1498 meters, immersed ed in the XIII Cen- in an almost alpine landscape scenery. tury, and in it there The Oratory of the Nativity – bas-relief in slate The refuge has about 50 beds and of- Giacopiane Lake

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5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys 5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys

Guide to the Abbey of Sant'Andrea di Borzone sented by the church built in the GUIDE TO THE ABBEY OF SANT'ANDREA DI BORZONE mid 1200s, but the Benedic- tine cell was located in the presbytery area. The church features a single nave and lies between the bell tow- er, which rises to the south and the build- ing once known as the “new vestry”, adjacent to the presbytery on the north side. The farmhouse and the recto- ry complete the complex which face a clois- ter-garden that still features some octagonal columns. The building technique employed in the abbey, is one of the most important points of interest. The materials used are stone and brick, an uncommon combination for the Ligurian building tradition. The brickwork not only defines the foundation for the layers placed on top but also creates a pretty planned decorative effect. The pattern is also The abbey of Sant’Andrea di Borzone is set in an isolated, evocative location, flanked repeated inside. Identifying the by a magnificent, century old cypress tree. Following the directions for Borzone from Bor- ornamental effect with the zonasca, you will reach the church after crossing terraced land and oak woods. This histor- structure, and is repeated in the ical monastery, which originally came under San Colombano di Bobbio, was elevated to ample trifore of the bell tower. abbey status from 1184 by Ugone della Volta, archbishop of Genoa, who donated it to the The bell tower base is in large Benedictines of Marseilles for its repair and to farm the surrounding valley. The church was sandstones in ashlar-work. This rebuilt on a pre-existing Benedictine cell according to the wishes of Abbot Gherardo, native last part, together with the GUIDE TO THE ABBEY OF SANT'ANDREA DI BORZONE THE ABBEY OF SANT'ANDREA GUIDE TO of Cogorno, as written on the headstone set in perimeter walls of the church, in the tower wall. stone and brick (up to the height However, there are varying opinions of the evident elevation), can be regarding the date the abbey was built. considered the oldest parts of the Some believe that it was built well before building. The tower was com- the year 1000, between the seventh and pleted in 1310 with a bell hous- eighth centuries, on a pre-existing Byzan- ing that matches the decorative tine “castrum” – the “fort” is represented style of the nave with its small by the lower part of the ashlan-worked arches. In 1704 the church was sub- tower. This thesis would mean that the jected to a notable transformation for functional reasons and worship. Both decorative and first building dated back to the era of Li- structural modifications were made. On this occasion, 6 chapels were created; doors and utprando, a Longobard king, who had en- windows as well as baroque altars were added and the interior plastered. Further transfor- trusted the management and administra- mation took place in the first half of the 1800s. These included, the covering of the central tion of the church to the monks of San nave and the rebuilding of the apse. The last transformation took place with restoration in Colombano di Bobbio. In any case, the the 50s and 60s with a partial restoration of the ancient medieval look. In the presbytery abbey that can be seen today is the result there is a niche, in slate, carved in 1513, while the polyptych with Sant’Andrea, Santi e of more than a millennium of transforma- Calvario of 1484 painted by an anonymous artist of the has been moved to tions. The most part of the complex repre- the Museo Diocesano di Chiavari.

52 53 The Aveto Valley, Riviera mountain - 55 A AN S M EDIEVAL M HURCH OF C today features the radical today features that crosses the Aveto river. the Aveto that crosses A few of Rezzoaglio's hamlets ICHELE transformation that took place in In 1929 but it has a long history. 1523, when the village became a parish, the nave of the first building was built. In 1575 it was subjected to work because it risked collaps- repair was added. ing, and in 1720, an arch in population, Following the increase became in the mid 1800s the church too small and it was decided to re- plan. Its cross build it using a Greek In the re- orientation was altered. structuring carried out a century ago, the nave was raised and the flooring the facade completely lowered, style to match changed to baroque Next the interior and the bell tower. leads to road a narrow to the church, the ancient single arched BRIDGE M of the two. The worth seeing. These are are near the the pur- assistance to trav- is located in a vast Villacella – The San Michele church tower and old mill structure tower church – The San Michele Villacella The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys Aveto and Sturla Graveglia, The EZZOAGLIO R tall bell tower of the village church. ellers and pilgrims. The friars’ resi- dence at Villacella did not last after perhaps be- the fifteenth century, cause the construction of another at the bottom of network of roads the valley shifted the importance of the monastery to local commerce. of only some remains are there Today have been built into a mill their Abbot. The monastery was built that led from on the ancient route Borzonasca up to the Rocche pass with d'Aveto, and to Val pose of providing alluvial plain, on a stretch of flat land alluvial plain, on a stretch by two rivers and surrounded crossed separate set- by small highlands. Two tlements can be seen. The “high” the church, settlement, around from today, which is quite different its original appearance, and, the “low” settlement which is the older 5. - . It Cella ILLACEL can be V and some ERNADO B AN S is noted for its bare is noted for ”, a religious settle- ”, a religious , the first important HURCH OF C and has a stone bell tower and has a stone bell ENTAROLA ABANNE C Further ahead, a brief deviation Further ahead, a brief V , whose name comes from “ , whose name comes from hamlet in the municipalityRez- of village of which zoaglio, is an ancient artistic testimoni- the most important al is the LA stone wall work, amongst which are work, amongst which stone wall and an dated 1631 a grand doorway two medieval lodge with imposing arches. rounded Sancti Michaelis ment dating back to 1103. From documents of the period, it noted that Prior Alberto in Ciel d'Oro San Pietro monks from of San in Pavia, founded the church Michele and donated it to Alselmo, leads to the rural village of was rebuilt in the 1600s on an origi- in the 1600s was rebuilt fourteenth the from nal structure century decorated marble and an elaborately interior. Aveto Valley - Panorama of Mt. Maggiorasca and of Mt. Bue - Panorama Valley Aveto The d’Aveto valley can be The d’Aveto The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys Aveto and Sturla Graveglia, The

The Aveto Valley The Aveto mountain Riviera reached by a number of routes: reached valley the Fontanabuona from valley and the the Malvaro through can also be Scolgina pass. It a number of points in from reached the or along valley, the Trebbia which, road, Sturla valley and the the base of after Borzonasca, leaves the vil- towards the valley to climb and Bertigaro. lages of Brizzolara Mediterranean woods here, From give way to oak woods followed by the towards rock, and bare pastures the ancient From pass area. Forcella the leads from that itinerary, the Fontanabuona valley through that is a route pass, there Ventarola itself, crosses Ventarola goes from Parazzuolo and arrives at the Ca- banne highland.

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5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys 5. The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys

territories of Santo Stefano. Its cas- only the lone bell tower remains; In The Aveto Valley, Riviera mountain tle, built by the Malaspinas during the interior, other than the choir and the thirteenth century, and then the precious organ, it is worth men- passed on to the Fieschis and later tioning the painting of the MADON- to the Dorias of Genoa, suffered the NA OF GUADALUPE kept on the main consequential contrasting effects. altar. In the area surrounding Santo The Dorias held it for around 50 Stefano, there are a few places that years despite strong local rebellions. are worth a visit. The fortification features a perime- One of them is AMBORZASCO, ter of strong walls forming an irreg- where a few farmhouses which have ular pentagon with 5 bastions at its not been restored feature ancient vertices. Thanks to documentation rounded portals, marked with Chris- from the 1500s, filed in the State tian symbols. Another is ALPICELLA, a Archives in Genoa, in which the small village in a beautiful location, original drawings are preserved, it is at the centre of a highland, which possible to reconstruct what the features interesting examples of ru- fortress looked like when it was de- ral architecture and an old mule signed. The spaces were well divid- track that leads up to the village ed between walls for defence (walls, from the bottom of the valley. ALLE- The Aveto Valley, Riviera mountain Riviera Valley, The Aveto bastions, moats), feudal homes, the GREZZE is a village located near the Santo Stefano d’Aveto tribunal, the armouries, the prisons fork in the road that leads from San- and even a bakery and a small to Stefano to Rezzoaglio and GNASCO, CERISOLA and VILLANOCE, Other small villages near Rez- chapel. The old town of Santo Ste- Gramizza, with an ancient parish villages located in sequence along zoaglio, located away from the tradi- fano, a little way from the castle of church in Romanesque style. This the most recent route that leads tionally beaten track are SECORTE, the Malaspina, winds along the building is of notable importance from Rezzoaglio to the centre of San- ALPEPIANA, VICOMEZZANO and VI- main street, with a long row of since it's the only one in the valley, to Stefano d’Aveto. Soon after Mag- COSOPRANO. These villages, which are houses, that still provide a good idea which has maintained its original nasco, a secondary road climbs for a popular during the summer months, of the urban structure of the ancient features: the facade, the black stone couple of kilometres towards the LA- are surrounded by a humanised ter- village, although they have been columns and the cross vault. From GO DELLE LAME (Lake Blade). In fan- ritory from centuries ago, made up transformed by modern tastic natural setting there is an of mule tracks, country chapels and restoration. The porti- alpine style hotel, a horse riding cen- dry stonework walls. coes, the old lamp- tre and fishing spots. Starting from SANTO STEFANO D’AVETO, at the posts, the portals in the lake, there is a trail, which leads extreme limit of the region, is the stone and the cobbled to the RISERVA ORIENTATA DELLE AGO- biggest town of the d'Aveto valley. roads each contribute RAIE, an area of absolute importance Situated at the centre of an im- to recreating an image from a flora and fauna point of view. mense amphitheatre made up by of the old village. The One cannot miss a visit to the LAKE high hills and the main mountains parish church dedicated DEGLI ABETI, whose name comes of the territory, it was of notable im- to the SAINTS STEFANO from the fossil remains of 2000- portance in pre-Roman times, when AND MARIA, is also iso- year-old white fir trees which can be the Liguri used its strategic position lated with respect to found resting at the bottom. To visit to build a fortification against the the town. The present the Parco delle Agoraie area, it is nec- Romans. In the , three building is a neo-gothic essary to obtain permission from dynasties: the Malaspinas, the Fi- reconstruction of the the State Forest Corps. eschis and the Dorias governed the old church, of which The Penna Forest

56 57 Sestri Levante 59 . It is a Ro- ICOLÒ N AN (tower) from which Gugliel- (tower) from S and medieval inscriptions Today the headland is dominated Today ORRETTA by the Grand Hotel dei Castelli, sur- park. This by a magnificent rounded 1925, on the hotel was built around location in which the Genoese built The one of their forts in the XII century. T manesque construction, built in 1151. It was transformed in part in the fif- teenth century and modified in the period. Recent restoration baroque has highlighted the original structure. The fifteenth century facade, features portal surmounted a pseudo-protiro Tomb- window. by a three-mullioned stones appear within the walls on the eastern and western sides. The bell tower has has a piramidal peak, and the bell area The inside is di- a mullioned window. mo Marconi carried out his experi- mo Marconi ments in radiotelegraphy with very Also on short waves, is located here. the peninsula is the first parochial church, , to the Segestum ABLES F The bird's eye The bird's A view of the Sestri Levante peninsula .. ). AY OF B ILENCE S AY OF B , who named it Sestri Levante and its Valleys its and Levante Sestri Sestri Levante is located at the Tigulliorum view of the landscape and its lush vegetation, the blue sea, the green golden sandy beaches and the harmo- the ny of the seaside houses, from heights of the Rocche di Sant'Anna, is During the of incomparable beauty. medieval era (beginning of the tenth century) the first inhabited settlement was built on the Island, in a naturally fortified position. The origins of Sestri date further back. Levante however, the Ligurian The first inhabitants were Tigullii ( east the Sestri Levante south west extremity of the Golfo del south west extremity Tigullio. It is in the alluvial plain of the and along the isthmus river Gromolo that connects the mainland to the Is- land (it used to be an island until the the west of the eleventh century). To strip of land is the 6. (Black lake). ERO N In the winter the Val d'Aveto is d'Aveto In the winter the Val AGO m), the highest peak of the Ligurian Apennine, or to Mount Bue. Ano- ther inviting and not tiring, excur- sion is the one which leads to the L covered in snow. Both Santo Stefano in snow. covered and the ring which connects the pass to Mount Penna, offer Tomario many possibilities to lovers of cross- country skiing. ASERMETTA DEL C , managed by the For- ENNA P Santo Stefano also means Religious traditions: Santo Stefano and the Madonna of Guadalupe Madonna the and Santo Stefano traditions: Religious The Graveglia, Sturla and Aveto Valleys Aveto and Sturla Graveglia, The ONTE The cult of the Madonna of Guadalupe, to whom the inhabitantsof Guadalupe, to of the Madonna The cult of have erected a statueSanto Stefano on the nearby Maggio- Mount has had a greatrasca, historical relevance for centu- and religious ries. near a small town at Guadalupe, appeared In 1531 the Virgin appearances the City of Mexico and successive native, to a religious The devotion to the Madonna quicklygavespre- the story credibility. in Mexico only ad, not America, and South but also in Spain and of Our Lady of Guadalupe In 1802, an image subsequently in . of S. Pietro, Piacenza by exhibited some Jesuit was in the church priests. in Antonio Rossi, who was An inhabitant Stefano, of Santo a time, brought Piacenza at the to back image of the Virgin sacred to cult spread The d'Aveto. Val and beca- population the d'Aveto among the faithful. me celebrated Giuseppe In 1811, Cardinal Doria donated the beautiful pic- still (that is ture worshipped and parishtoday) of to his church The painting Santo Stefano. with dark hair depicts the Virgin her leaning towards with her face standing with her right shoulder, The King hands joined in prayer. of Spain had donated the icon to Doria.Andrea becoming Before property of the Doria in Palace said to have been Genoa, it was carried a galley aboard during the battle of Lepanto.

est Corps and surrounded by the an- est Corps and surrounded cient State owned forest. for picnics and trails for fields strolls, the town one can long walks. From climb to Mount Maggiorasca (1796 M Casoni really a group of houses di- a group Casoni really vided into two fractions and hidden climbs up to in oak woods, the road of the the square

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6. Sestri Levante and its Valleys 6. Sestri Levante and its Valleys

Tourism, events, traditions Levante Sestri

The name “Bay of Fables” was given by the great author of chil- dren's books, Hans Christian Andersen, who visited the area, and was fascinated by it. In his honour, for over 30 years, Sestri Levante has hosted a literary prize for children. Thou- sands of fables, of great variety, are entered and the best, unpublished one is awarded the prize. Another wonderful

Sestri Levante event, is the “Barcarolata” a real fancy dress boat parade that takes place by night in the Bay of Silence in July every year. Sestri Levante was also the birthplace of poet Giovanni Descal- zo and of critic and essayist Carlo Bo. The heart of Sestrese cooking, is fish and in particular, the anchovy. The village of Riva Tri- goso, to the east of Sestri, for the past 40 years, has held the festival of the Bagnum, a dish of anchovies, onion, garlic, par- sley, tomato and white wine in accordance with the best tradi- tion of the local fishermen.

A marvellous view of the Bay of Silence can be reached by the road which MANARA, which marks the limit of the vided into three naves by columns with and was under the older convent of leads to the Santa Vittoria locality and Gulf of Tigullio, can be reached within cubic capitals. Another religious build- Santa Maria di Castello in Genoa. The lastly, VILLA FIESCHI along the road to two hours. MONTE CASTELLO and PUNTA ing of noteworthy importance is the GALLERIA RIZZI, in Sestri Levante hosts a the Bracco, is the result of the integra- BAFFE, which allows one to get to Mon- BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA DI NAZARETH prestigious collection of paintings, tion of multiple buildings and can be eglia on foot, are also worth an excur- (eighteenth century) It has a neo-clas- drawings, prints, furniture and ceram- appreciated today in its seventeen sion. On the other hand, heading up sical portico which which was added ics. It was opened in 1967 when the hundreds’ appearance. through the Gromolo valley by car, one in the 1800s. It is richly decorated and private collection of solicitor Mar- Coming away from the town cen- crosses the hamlets of SANTO STEFANO contains a canvas by Fiasella. From the cello Rizzi was donated to the State. tre, there are a few nature walks worth DEL PONTE, with a church that was once church square, wondering through the There are numerous historical vil- a mention. Setting out from Via XXV a parish church and SANTA VITTORIA, fa- streets of the town is a must, starting las and buildings of exceptional value Aprile and climbing eastwards, PUNTA mous for its iron ore mines. from the main street, VIA XXV APRILE, in the town and immediate surround- the pedestrian promenade is full of ings: VILLA BALBI, located at the west- shops, boutiques and night spots ern extremity of the old town, thanks which are amongst the busiest of the to its magnificence, hosted Elizabeth Riviera on summer nights. Farnese in 1714, who was promised in Going back to religious buildings, marriage to Phillip the Fifth of Spain. the CHURCH OF SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI is Two lateral extensions were added to worth a visit. It hosts numerous works the original construction, which dates of art, amongst which is a wooden back to the 17th century. VILLA CATTA- group dedicated to Santa Caterina di NEO (formerly Durazzo) which is on the Alessandria. The recently restored EX old Aurelia route, has a main building CONVENTO DELL’ANNUNZIATA, which dating back to the mid-fourteen hun- faces the eastern gulf, now hosts a cul- dreds. VILLA DURAZZO PALLAVICINO, in tural centre thanks to European com- the centrally located Piazza Matteotti is munity funding. The complex hosted now the municipal building. VILLA Dominican priests from 1467 to 1797, CHIARELLA (formally Gentile Pallavicini) Villa Durazzo-Pallavicino, seat of the Municipality

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6. Sestri Levante and its Valleys 6. Sestri Levante and its Valleys

Along the Petronio ings which are located within the Zenone is an ancient village up to MonegliaThe coast and the Bracco route Valley: from Casarza to municipality are the CHURCHES OF that lives off agriculture and the Velva Pass SAN MARTINO (1500) and DELL’IM- chestnut farming. MACOLATA (1670) as well as the CAP- Proceeding along The town of Casarza has grown PELLA DI SAN ROCCO, near which are the main road, one gets thanks to its agricultural economy. It the visible remains of an ancient to the municipality of is situated at the base of the Petron- hermitage. CASTIGLIONE CHIAVARESE. It io valley, along the road that leads On the hill facing the town is a is in a panoramic location, from Sestri Levante through the val- group of buildings that forms the and has a view of olive ley, towards Velva and the Cento ancient settlement of MASSASCO. Fur- groves and vineyards. The Croci pass. ther ahead is SAN PIETRO IN FRASCATI, parish church, in the town The CHURCH OF SAN MICHELE, in with its parochial church. The hamlets centre, is dedicated to the centre of the town, built in the of BARGONE, BARGONASCO, CARDINI SANT’ANTONINO MARTIRE. seventeenth century, is worth a vis- and VERICI were built higher up on Its foundations are of an- it to see a triptych by Barbagelata communal territory. They are surroun- cient origin although it dated 1498. The triptych was previ- ded by woods and streams and are features a 1600s look and ously located in the oldest church in included in many excursion itineraries. was renovated in the mid- Casarza, SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA, The medieval CHURCH OF SAN LORENZO eighteen hundreds. The which is on Candiasco hill. The is interesting. BARGONE, on Mount whole Petronio valley building, which is com- area is very interesting monly dated around 1200 from a geological point of but could be older, can be view. The Roccagrande reached by a brief diversion waterhole was a lake of from the town. From the glacial origin - there were town’s unpaved square chalcopyrite and man- there is a beautiful view of ganese mines here. Be- An rocky inlet between the tunnels that connect the whole of the lower sides this, Casarza is host Moneglia to Riva Trigoso Petronio valley. The church to the “Parma Gemma” of San Giovanni is in entire- museum, one of the region's most The coast up to ly exposed stonework and important points of reference for Moneglia and the is in a very good state of re- students and mineralogy enthusi- Bracco route Along the Petronio Valley: from Casarza to the Velva Pass Casarza from to the Velva Valley: Along the Petronio pair. At a glance, it can be asts. recognised as an ancient Among the gastronomic prod- To reach Moneglia using the monument. The bell tower ucts worthy of mention are asado, coastal road, one passes RIVA is considered to be the nu- savoury pies, “latte dolce” (a type of TRIGOSO, once a fishing village and cleus of the complex. It is set custard coated in batter and fried) today host of important shipyards. said to have existed on and strawberry tarts, the production One proceeds through the long nar- Candiasco hill from before of which is renowned throughout row tunnels, once used for the rail- the year 1000. It was a the Petrone Valley. An annual festival way, which now permit traffic to lookout and defence tow- is held in August at Bargone. The travel in alternating directions in er, before the church was wine production in the Verici area is turns. built. The church was built of historical importance. An impor- The last coastal municipality that on its south side at a later tant event is the Feast of San Giovan- comes under the province of Genoa date. ni Battista, which is held on the 24th is MONEGLIA, situated in a green inlet. Other religious build- The Church of San Giovanni Battista of June at Casarza. The land is lush with pine trees, olive

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6. Sestri Levante and its Valleys

ly restored and now open to the pub- lic) was built. In 1284 ships from Moneglia took part in the battle of Meloria in which the Genoese de- feated the Pisans. In recognition of this achievement, some of the links of the great chain which protected the port of and which Genoa donated to the faithful Moneglia, are embedded in the wall of the CHURCH OF SANTA CROCE (tenth/eleventh Century). This church, which is the oldest in the town, hosts a cross of the Byzan- tine era and a wooden statue by Maragliano. Its churchyard features one of the best examples of pebble mosaic. Alongside Santa Croce is the ORATORIO DEI DISCIPLINATI, of the tenth Century, which plays host to- day to music events of international importance. Another religious venue which is important to Moneglia and worth Moneglia and its sandy beach a visit is the CHURCH OF SAN GIORGIO (end of the fourteenth century), to- The coast up to Moneglia and the Bracco route and the Bracco The coast up to Moneglia groves and vineyards, between the gether with a Franciscan cloister of two headlands of Punta Moneglia the fourteen-hundreds, in which and Punta Rospo. It is a typical sea- there is a Rubens painting and the side village, that goes back to Roman Adorazione dei Magi by Luca Cam- times. Nowadays, it can compete biaso. Born in Moneglia in 1527, with larger seaside destinations. It Cambiaso owes his fame to his has a short waterfront and a fine great paintings of mythological and sandy beach. The name comes from sacred inspiration and was called up- the Latin “monilia” - jewel (most cer- on by Phillip II of Spain to fresco a tainly a reference to the beauty of vault in the royal palace. the landscape), as it is referred to in From the town, the excursion- the fourth century. As a point of tran- ist may venture into the Mediter- sit, it was subject to pirate attacks in ranean woods towards Punta Baffe the middle ages. At the end of the and Punta Manara, towards Sestri twelfth century it was included in the Levante or towards the Bracco, , which built touching on the ancient villages of fortresses on the two headlands. In LEMEGLIO, MORTEO and SAN SATURNI- 1173, the FORTE DI MONLEONE was NO, all in panoramic locations and built, and in the sixteenth Century renowned for their prestigious vine- the CASTELLO DI VILLAFRANCA, (recent- yards.

64 Serravalle - Milano Rocchetta Ligure - Voghera Provincia di Genova

A 7 Assessorato al Turismo Serravalle

Castello Pietrabissara Spinola Castello M. Zuccaro Montessoro 767 ISOLA Crevarina Vobbietta DEL CANTONE

Voltaggio - Serravalle a

i Griffoglieto Castello della Pietra

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c - Voghera

S Ottone - Bobbio - Piacenza Ovada - Acqui Terme . M. Carmo

A 26 Alessandria - Santhià - Aosta Ronco T Parco dell’Antola - Serravalle 1640 M. Zuchello Scrivia 1416 T M. Cravi Pietrafráccia. V Alpe o 992 b a bi Gorreto bi Provincia di Genova Gavi - Serravalle a reb Semino Vallenzona F. T Orezzoli - Bobbio Castello Castello Noceto Capp. Tre Croci Garbarino Assessorato al Turismo Le Ciazze Borgo M M. Buio M. Colma Fornari Casa del Romano 739 Camarza Alpe 1400 Fontanarossa 896 BUSALLA Porcile Castagnola - Bobbio M. d. Figne M. Leco Castello M. Antola Caprile L. di Ortiglieto 1072 Busalla Fascia Isola a Rossiglione 1172 Savignone 1597 M Tonno Foppiano M. Pracaban M b Propata Carpeneto a o Bric Valcalda 946 V Castello M Colonia M. Oramara r Pso. Bocchetta Sorrivi Nenno i a Pso. Giovi Valbrevenna 1522 s 708 San M M Santuario

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O a Bartolomeoa Montemaggio Senarega Bavastrelli b t g Castello M. Montarlone a L. del Gorzente Rondanina

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a Giovi T. B n 1500 r n G Campo Ligure l a Cassingheno b Casanova M. Bue M. Maggiorasca

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Tiglieto a Serra Riccò Lago del M S c T v Passo Orto Botanico di Pratorondanino Gallaneto 1122 Péntema M S. Stéfano a M. Orditano r Brugneto l Canale Acquario Fluviale d. Tomarlo a Avosso Scabbiabella Pivetta d’Aveto M. Pavaglione 950 Isoverde r Garaventa a Casaléggio V Badia 890 M. Tacco Costa i Castello Casoni A Bedonia - Parma e e V M Allegrezze 783 v v Fallarosa Torriglia l Villa Campomorone Orero Castello Porto Montebruno T. Gr M. Tomarlo MASONE Masone e Bromia ’ amiz

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Praglia Gazzolo c Pedemonte Casalino Sant. N. S. di Montebruno Vallescura Rezzoàglio a

M M i Serra a l Montoggio o M. Bonetto ia d Alpicella

Sant. Tre Fontane a Marzano bb Cerisola V Cerànesi 832 M T. re Magnasco M. Proratado P Sc F. T Montegrosso San Cipriano riv Amborzasco 928 Pontedecimo ia Laccio - La Cappelletta Pso. d. Turchino Madonna l S. Olcese M. Bano Villacella 1107 d. Guardia Villa Santuario Lago d. Lame a a 1035 M. Posasso r Serra l San Carlo e Piccarello Tercesi v V Noci 1236 Pta. Martindi Cese Geo e Comago Lago di Montaldo Parco dell’A v e t o c Priosa 1001 l Val Noci 1134 M. Fascia M. Aiona Fado Bric di Teiolo o P Moranego Barbagelata a 1195

. Manesseno Pso. d. Scoffera Lago degli Abeti1695 660 T M. Penna Pso. del Faiallo Fiorino a Creto M. Candelozzo M. d. Abeti Carpenara n (Agoraie) n 1036 Aveto 1542 1735 T e GENOVA BOLZANETOPino Soprano Roccatagliata T. V . Santuario r Parazzuolo C a Murta Aggio e V Marsiglia M. Nero r T. M. Réisa u Corsiglia 1498 s Molassana Lezzaruole M. Pagliaro a M Acquasanta e Lago di Giacopiane

1183 M. Contessa S. Siro n 1180

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P arco del Beigu a Mele 550 di Struppa Calvari i Rivarolo Dercogna e M Bertigaro Olmo N Temossi Borzoli GENOVA EST . Neirone M. Cáucaso M. Cavallo GE l T GE PEGLI a B a Ognio 1245 Favale 1092 M. Argentea V i s g di Malvaro M. Bregaceto Crévari GE AEROPORTO T. 1082 Fontanegli n Bisag 1171 M. Rama Quezzi Bavari o no Traso Moconesi Terrarossa M 1148 Voltri GENOVA OVEST Lumarzo M M. Ramaceto Brizzolara

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Pegli o M. Bastia Pannesi 1345 en Gazo Vesima Sestri Ponente n Gattorna Lorsica T. P

ARENZANO g 848 Terrusso

M a Verzi Borzone M s S. Desiderio Stella Sciarborasca i Ferrada Borzonasca Aeroporto Internazionale B M. Becco Abbazia di Borzone

. Tribogna M. Cucco C. COLOMBO M T 894 M M 1049 Montemoggio Passo d. Bocco S. Maria del Taro - Bedonia Arenzano Apparizione Lerca Cornigliano Orero M. Mignano M. Fasce Levà Uscio Colonia Arnaldi M M M Sampierdarena GENOVA M. Cordona 974 Sussisa Monleone Baranzolo a Cicagna l Cassego - 834 803 Teriasca r u Serra V T. t La Pianezza S Cogoleto M Lago Terrile Mezzavalle . M. Zatta a vagna T GENOVA Stu rla S. Ilario Pieve Avegno r l a M. Poggio 1404 Piani d’Invrea M Sessarego l S t u Ventimiglia - Quarto Ligure Capreno S. Andrea M l e Borgonovo Ligure 1151 A 10 Quinto Rosaguta di Foggia F Coréglia V a l Nervi RECCO o Ligure n Passo d. Camilla Bogliasco t M San Colombano 676 Certénoli Mezzanego G o lf o P a r a d is o Polanesi Megli RAPALLO a M. Chiappozzo Sori N. S. di Montallegron M Codivara - Varese Ligure Celle a Terrarossa 1126 Riviera del Beigua Mulinetti b u M. Carnella Ventimiglia - Savona Recco M.Castello o 712 Prato M 665 n S.M. di SturlaM Arzeno a Ne Chiesanuova Ruta Rapallo M Carasco Paggi Camogli Solaro Campodonico Gravéglia Conscenti G S. Rocco T. raveglia Nàscio M Panesi a l Leivi l Nozarego e Basilica d. Fieschi a Santa Mar Zoagli t Maissana - Varese Ligure Portofino Vetta n M Frisolino i Ligure E l CHIAVARI . Cogorno g M. di Portofino 612 F e Punta Chiappa gherita V a l G r a v S. Fruttuoso S. Bartolomeo M M.te Domenico Parco di Por t o f i n o Azaro 526 M.te Alpe G o lf o d e l Chiavari M A 12 1094 M Loto Libiola Portofino Lavagna S. Vittoria di Libiola Lago di Bargone olo Tassani Bargone m ro Sant. Mad. d. Guardia . G S. Bernardo Cavi T Castiglione Bargonasco S. Pietro Vara - Varese Ligure - Parma Casarza Ligure Chiavarese T i M M SESTRI LEVANTE g u l io M Masso M A R L I G U R E Sestri Levante etron e T. P io Carro - Sesta Godano Key to the Map V a l P t r o n i o Riva Trigoso Bracco Punta Manara Motorways Passo del Bracco - Punta Baffe Moneglia Main roads Lemeglio La Spezia Punta Rospo

Secondary roads - La Spezia - Cinque Terre Municipal roads Railways

IAT - Tourist Information and Tourist Reception

Tourist Information Points Regional Natural Parks and Protected Areas Holy Shrines and abbeys Castles, towers and forts

M Museums Museums in the Genoa area Tourist Information and Tourist Reception (I.A.T.) Note: Only museums in the Genoa area are mentioned in this booklet. Provincia di Genova For museums in Genoa City please see the web site www.museigenova.it Assessorato al Turismo For opening hours and other information please contact each single museum directly.

Arenzano Mele Comune di Genova Moneglia Muvita - Agenzia Provinciale per l’ambiente, l’energia Centro di Raccolta, Testimonianza ed Esposizione dell’Arte Aeroporto C. Colombo c/o Pro Loco - Corso L. Longhi, 32 e l’innovazione (+39 010 91.00.01) Cartaria (+39 010 63.81.03) Genova - Sestri Ponente Ph. and Fax +39 0185 49.05.76 Busalla Mocònesi Ph. and Fax +39 010 601.52.47 [email protected] Copy Free Provincia di Genova Assessorato al Turismo Ecomuseo del Territorio dell’Alta Valle Scrivia (+39 010 964.0 2.11) Polimuseo del Giocattolo e Naturalistico di Gattorna [email protected] Ne Camogli (+39 0185 93.10.32) Stazione Ferroviaria Principe c/o Pro Loco - Piazza dei Mosto, 19 Museo Archeologico (+39 0185 77.15.70) Montebruno Piazza Acquaverde Ph. and Fax +39 0185 38.70.22 Museo Marinaro (+39 0185 72.90.49) Museo del Sacro dell’Alta Val Trebbia (+39 010 950.29) Tel. +39 010 253.06.71 [email protected] Campo Ligure Museo della Legatoria (+39 010 950.29) Museo di Cultura Ph. and Fax +39 010 246.26.33 Portofino Museo della Filigrana (+39 010 92.10.55) Contadina dell’Alta Val Trebbia (+39 010 950.29) [email protected] Via Roma, 35 Campomorone Montoggio Terminal Crociere Ph. and Fax +39 0185 26.90.24 Museo della Croce Rossa (+39 010 78.22.92) Esposizione Permanente degli ex-voto di Tre Fontane Stazione Marittima iat.portofi[email protected] Museo delle Marionette (+39 010 72.24.11) (+39 010 93.88.52) Museo Storico Alta Valle Scrivia di Tre (combination cruise arrival/departure) Rapallo Museo di Paleontologia e Mineralogia (+39 010 722.43.14) Fontane (+39 010 93.89.55) GenovaInforma Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, 7 Casarza Ligure Ne Piazza Matteotti Ph. +39 0185 23.03.46 - Fax +39 0185 63.05.1 Museo Parma Gemma (+39 0185 469.81) Museo della Miniera di Gambatesa (+39 0185 33.88.76) Ph. +39 010 868.74.52 [email protected] Castiglione Chiavarese Orero [email protected] Recco Ecomuseo Alta Val Petronio Museo di Cultura Contadina Cava-Museo di Isolona di Orero (+39 0185 971.81) Via Ippolito d’Aste 2A (+39 0185 404.82) Portofino Arenzano Ph. +39 0185 72.24.40 - Fax +39 0185 72.19.58 Chiavari Museo del Parco di Portofino (+39 0185 26.90.24) Lungomare Kennedy [email protected] Civica Galleria di Palazzo Rocca (+39 0185 30.85.77) Propata Ph. and Fax +39 010 912.75.81 Rezzoaglio (seasonal) Museo Archeologico per la Preistoria e Protostoria del Tigullio Museo del Partigiano (+39 010 94.59.10) [email protected] c/o Pro Loco - Via Roma (+39 0185 320 829) Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra Rapallo Bogliasco, Golfo Paradiso Ph. +39 0185 87.04.32 (+39 0185 590.51) Museo Lorenzo Garaventa Civico Museo del Merletto (+39 0185 633.05) Via Aurelia106 [email protected] (+39 0185 32.47.13) Museo Meteosismologico G. Sanguineti Complesso Molitorio La Cipressa - Museo di Cultura Ph. and Fax +39 010 347.04.29 Riva Trigoso (seasonal) - G. Leonardini (+39 0185 32.52.50) Museo Storico Contadina (+39 0185 569.52) Museo Civico Attilio e Cleofe [email protected] Via Verdi, 1 del Risorgimento della Società Economica di Chiavari Gaffoglio (+39 0185 23.44.97) Camogli Ph. +39 0185 45.70.11 The Tigullio (+39 0185 324 713) Quadreria Cassani - Copello Rondanina Via XX Settembre 33 Fax +39 0185 45.95.75 della Società Economica di Chiavari (+39 0185 324 713) Museo della Flora e della Fauna del Parco del Monte Antola Ph. +39 0185 77.10.66 - Fax +39 0185 77.71.11 Santa Margherita Ligure Cicagna (+39 010 958.54) [email protected] Via XXV Aprile, 2/b Centro Espositivo del Chiapparino (+39 0185 971.81) Rossiglione Campo Ligure Valli Stura e Orba (seasonal) Ph. +39 0185 28.74.85 - Fax +39 0185 28.30.34 Coast and the Inland Areas Museo Archeologico della Fontanabuona (+39 0185 928.54) Museo Passatempo (+39 010 923.99.21) Via della Giustizia 5 [email protected] Museo dell’Ardesia (+39 0185 928.54) Santo Stefano d’Aveto Ph. and Fax +39 010 92.10.55 Santo Stefano D’Aveto Necropoli Preromana di Chiavari (+39 0185 971.81) Ecomuseo della Val d’Aveto (+39 0185 899.07) [email protected] Piazza del Popolo, 6 Cogoleto San Colombano Certénoli Casella (seasonal) Ph. +39 0185 88.04.6 - Fax +39 0185 88.70.07 Museo Contadino (+39 010 918.81.42) Museo del Lascito Cuneo (+39 0185 35.80.60) Stazione ferroviaria [email protected] Cogorno Museo Marinaro Tommasino Andreatta (+39 0185 35.60.10) Ph. +39 010 968.21.28 Sestri Levante Centro Culturale dei Fieschi (+39 0185 38.24.59) Santa Margherita Ligure Chiavari Piazza Sant’Antonio, 10 Crocefieschi Museo Vittorio G. Rossi (+39 0185 20.54.49) Corso Assarotti, 1 Ph. +39 0185 45.70.11 - Fax +39 0185 45.95.75 Museo Paleontologico (+39 010 93.12.15) Parco del Flauto Magico (+39 0185 20.54.71) Ph. +39 0185 32.51.98 - Fax +39 0185 32.47.96 [email protected] Favale di Malvaro Savignone [email protected] Torriglia Museo dell’Emigrante “Casa Giannini” (+39 0185 97.51.95) Museo dell’Alta Valle Scrivia: Sezione Archeologica Gorreto - Punto Informazioni Turistiche Via Nostra Signora della Provvidenza, 3 Genova (+39 010 93.60.103) Museo degli Alpini (+39 010 93.60.103) (seasonal) Ph. +39 010 94.41.75 Archivio Fondo Edward Neill (+39 010 53.26.23) Sestri Levante c/o Comune - Via Capoluogo Fax +39 010 945.30.07 Archivio Museo della Stampa ARMUS (+39 010 549.96.43) Museo Artistico Fondazione Galleria “M. Rizzi” Ph. and Fax 010 954.30.22 [email protected] Museo della Lanterna (+39 010 549.94.69) (+39 0185 413.00) [email protected] Uscio Lavagna Uscio Lavagna Via IV Novembre, 1 Casa Carbone (+39 0185 39.39.20) Museo degli Orologi e delle Campane (+39 0185 91.94.10) Piazza Torino (stazione F.S.) Ph. +39 0185 91.31.9/91.94.01 Galleria Artistica “Torre del Borgo” Museo dell’Ardesia Val Fontanabuona Ph. +39 0185 39.50.70 Fax +39 0185 91.94.13 e Collezione Archeologica R. Alloisio (+39 0185 36.71) Ecomuseo dell’Ardesia La Via della Pietra Nera Fax +39 0185 39.24.42 [email protected] Lòrsica (+39 0185 971.81) [email protected] Zoagli (seasonal) Museo dei Damaschi (+39 0185 950.19) Valbrevenna Lavagna Cavi (seasonal) Via L. Merello, 6A Masone Museo dell’Alta Valle Scrivia: Sezione Etnologica Via Lombardia, 53 Ph. and Fax +39 0185 25.91.27 Museo Civico A. Tubino Museo del Ferro (+39 010 92.62.10) (+39 010 964.17.94) Ph. and Fax +39 0185 39.56.80 [email protected]

© 2007, Regione Liguria (1st edition 2004) Useful numbers Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio: +39 0185 28.46.70 The 2007 Edition was edited by Provincia di Genova, Assessorato al Turismo Airport: Flight Information: +39 010 60.151 Stazioni Marittime: +39 010 24.12.361/393 Text: Marco Scuderi Motorways: Travel info: 840 04.21.21 Public Transport: Photographs: Marco Scuderi, Archivio APT Tigullio Maritime Services: Genoa City Public Transport AMT: 800 08.53.11 Art: Claudio Burlando & Marco Scuderi Maps: Alessia Massari and Francesca Pavolini Liguria Via Mare Servizi Marittimi, Genova: Province of Genoa Public Transport ATP: +39 010 54.67.44.10 Printed by: Editoriale Tipografica Sorriso Francescano - Genova +39 010 26.57.12 +39 010 25.67.75 Genova - Casella Railway: +39 010 83.73.21 The paper used for this brochure was produced according to sustainable forest management principles Trasporti Marittimi Golfo Paradiso: +39 0185 77.20.91 Radio Taxi Genova: +39 010 59.66