All Places in Liguria

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    Aquarium of Genoa

    The Aquarium of Genoa is the largest aquarium in Italy, the first in Europe by the number of animal species, the third in Europe by area and the ninth in the world. The aquarium is located in the ancient port of Genoa.   SHORT HISTORY The aquarium was built for the International Exhibition Genoa 1992, to celebrate 500 years passed since the Genoese Christopher Columbus discovered the new world. The building was designed by the Genoese architect Renzo Piano. The interior was designed by the architect Peter Chermayeff. In 1998, the aquarium was expanded by 100 meters, with a ship connected by walkway to the original building. Subsequently, it was extended several times. From its opening until 2014, the aquarium was visited by over 25 million visitors, with an average of 1.2 million per year.   DESCRIPTION The aquarium includes 70 tanks and 4 open-air pavilions, inaugurated in the summer of 2013. The total area of the structure is 27,000 square meters. The tanks host about 15,000 animals of 400 different species, of which we can mention fish, marine mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, in environments that reproduce the original ones. Four large tanks allow animals to be observed from Read more [...]

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    Baia del Silenzio

    Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) is a wonderful public beach located right in the historical center of Sestri Levante. Enclosed by old colorful buildings, Baia del Silenzio is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. The beach is small, about 300 meters long and about 20 meters wide, and there you will not find showers, toilets, or where to rent sun beds and umbrellas. Furthermore, the beach does not offer the possibility of doing water sports, you can not rent pedal boats or kayaks, and it doesn’t have lifeguards. However, with its crystal clear waters and soft golden sand, the Bay of Silence is one of the most evocative beaches of the entire Ligurian Riviera. Early in the morning, at sunrise, but especially in the evening, when the sun sets, the beach acquires magical connotations. After all the people have gone, the lanscape becomes mystical in the orange light of the evening. Ripples form on the water’s surface, the boats swing slowly offshore, and the peace sets over the bay.   HOW TO GET THERE Baia del Silenzio is located about 1.2 kilometers away from the Sestri Levante train station. The closest bus station is in Piazza Read more [...]

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    Marina di Portofino

    Marina di Portofino is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, located in one of the most famous Italian destinations, Portofino. Marina di Portofino stands in the middle of a natural promontory and extends to the main square of the town, Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta. Marina di Portofino offers 14 mooring places for boats and superyachts, all with water and electricity, as well as 2 places for megayachts in the Cannone Bay (Baia Cannone). There are many restaurants and terraces around the harbour, where you can relax and admire the beautiful port, but in order to enjoy the view of the entire Marina di Portofino, you must climb the stairs to the Church of San Giorgio or to the Brown Castle, two structures that dominate the surroundings. From there, the view is breathtaking.   HOW TO GET THERE Portofino is very small. To reach the harbour on foot from any point in the town, it’s a matter of minutes. Of course, if you need precise directions, you can use the map below.

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    Church of San Martino

    The Church of San Martino (Chiesa del Divo Martino) is a church in Romanesque style, dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, in Portofino.   SHORT HISTORY The church was probably built during the 12th century, around the same time the Church of San Giorgio was erected. The structure is mentioned in a document of 1130, with the decision of Pope Innocent II to cede the property to the monks of the nearby Abbey of San Fruttuoso, and again in 1164, where the same privileges were confirmed by Pope Alexander III. The consecration of the church took place on June 10, 1548, and on March 8, 1550, the ownership of the religious building passed to the Prince Andrea Doria and his heirs, through a papal bull of Pope Julius III. During the 19th century, the Church of San Martino was renovated and expanded, and took its current shape.   ART Inside, there are several pictorial and sculptural works, such as the wooden group depicting the Deposition of Christ by the Genoese sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano, the canvas of the Madonna del Rosario by an unknown painter, an Annunciation of the 18th century, and a painting depicting the Saints Rocco, Sebastiano and Read more [...]

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    The Sunset Line

    The Sunset Line is a guesthouse in Riomaggiore, located in Via Tracastello, 23, not far from the Castle of Riomaggiore. The guesthouse offers rooms with air conditioning, a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a hot tub. All the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.   HOW TO GET THERE The Sunset Line is located about 550 meters away from the Riomaggiore railway station. The closest bus stop, Riomaggiore Castello, is located about 50 meters away.

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    Alla Marina Affittacamere

    Alla Marina Affittacamere is a guesthouse in Riomaggiore, located in Via San Giacomo, 61, near the old port of the town. Alla Marina Affittacamere is set in a 13th-century building renovated in 2011. The rooms, with white contemporary furniture and parquet floors, come with an LCD TV, a minibar and free WiFi. Each room has a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer. The breakfast is served at a partner bar nearby.   HOW TO GET THERE Alla Marina Affittacamere is located about 250 meters away from the Riomaggiore railway station.

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    Hotel Villa Argentina

    Hotel Villa Argentina is a 3-Star hotel in Riomaggiore, located in Via De Gasperi, 170. The hotel offers rooms with a satellite flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and air conditioning. Some rooms have a small terrace overlooking the sea. The breakfast at Villa Argentina is buffet style, and can also be served in your room.   HOW TO GET THERE Hotel Villa Argentina is located about 600 meters away from the Riomaggiore railway station. The closest bus stop is Riomaggiore Park, located about 80 meters away.

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    Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta

    The Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta is a Catholic place of worship in Riomaggiore, located in Via Santuario.   SHORT HISTORY The oratory, the seat of the Confraternity of the Disciplinanti dell’Assunta, was built during the 16th century.   ART The oratory preserves a wooden statue of the Madonna delle Catene (Madonna of the Chains), in memory of the inhabitants who, over the centuries, suffered raids and kidnappings in the Saracen raids, and a tempera triptych depicting the Madonna with Child and Saints John the Baptist and Dominic.   HOW TO GET THERE The Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta is located about 800 meters away from the Riomaggiore railway station. The closest bus stop is Riomaggiore Park, located about 70 meters away, on the local bus line.

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    Hotel Stella

    Hotel Stella is a 3-Star hotel in Rapallo, located in a building dating from the beginning of the 20th century, a short walk from the beach and the harbor. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi connection and has a terrace with a wonderful panoramic view. On the terrace, during the summer, you can find sun beds and deck chairs. On the ground floor, open 24 hours a day, you can find a bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine, soft drinks or a Cappuccino.   HOW TO GET THERE Hotel Stella is located about 600 meters from the Rapallo railway station. The closet bus stop is Anagrafe, located about 70 meters away, on the bus Lines 7, 73 and 98. To find the hotel on foot, use the map below.

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    Best Western Plus Tigullio Royal

    Best Western Plus Tigullio Royal is a 4-Star hotel in Rapallo, located near the promenade Vittorio Veneto and the sea, and about 450 meters away from the Castello sul Mare. All the rooms are air-conditioned and come with an LCD TV, a mini-bar and a tea/coffee maker. Some rooms have a private balcony and some have a partial or full sea view. A generous buffet is served each morning, and it can be enjoyed on the sea-view terrace, if the weather is fine. Guests can also relax with a drink in the bar, or in the wellness area.   HOW TO GET THERE Best Western Plus Tigullio Royal is located about 400 meters from the Rapallo train station. The closest bus stop is Bar Sport, located about 170 meters away, on the bus Lines 7 and 73. To find the hotel on foot, use the map below.

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    Albergo La Piazzetta

    Albergo La Piazzetta is a 2-Star hotel in Rapallo, located about 120 meters from the waterfront Vittorio Veneto and about 200 meters from Piazza Martiri per la Libertà and Chiosco della Musica. The hotel offers rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom. Free WiFi is available on the property and each morning you can enjoy a buffet breakfast rich in desserts and homemade cakes.   HOW TO GET THERE Albergo La Piazzetta is located 300 meters from the Rapallo railway station. The closest bus station is Bar Stop, located about 70 meters away, on the bus Lines 7 and 73. To find the hotel on foot, use the map below.

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    Castello di Punta Pagana

    Castello di Punta Pagana is a castle located on the promontory of Punta Pagana, inside the private garden of Villa Spinola, in Rapallo. Together with the 16th-century Castle of Santa Margherita Ligure, located to the west, and the Castle-on-the-Sea from Rapallo, to the east, Castello di Punta Pagana it was part of a defense system built by the Republic of Genoa for the protection of the coast and villages on the western part of the Gulf of Tigullio.   SHORT HISTORY The construction work of the fortress started in April 1625, comissioned by the Republic of Genoa and the municipalities of Rapallo, Recco, Chiavari, Moneglia and Sestri Levante. The structure became necessary due to the open hostility between the Genoese republic and Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, Duke of Savoy, and for the fear of a possible attack by sea. The works were carried out quickly and, by December 1625, the structure was almost finished. In 1627, the moat with the drawbridge was completed and three years later, on July 1631, the fortress was placed under the service of the Republic of Genoa. Although the fortress was equipped with weapons, ammunition and gunpowder necessary for a sudden attack, it never Read more [...]

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    Chiosco della Musica

    Chiosco della Musica (Music Kiosk) is a beautiful monument in Rapallo, built in Art Nouveau style and dedicated to the most important Italian and foreign composers in history.   SHORT HISTORY At the beginning of the 20th century, the Italian immigrants of Rapallo in Latin America, desired the kiosk as a gift to the town they came from. The monument, 10 meters in diameter and 9 meters in height, with 12 columns supporting the dome, was designed by the architect Luigi Devoto and inaugurated on November 3, 1929. Inside the dome, work of the painter Giovanni Grifo, are depicted the following composers: Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Arrigo Boito, Ludwig van Beethoven, Daniel Auber, Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Hector Berlioz and Christoph Willibald Gluck on the stalls; Johann Sebastian Bach, Gaspare Spontini, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Domenico Cimarosa, Georges Bizet, Amilcare Ponchielli, Charles Gounod, Gaetano Donizetti, Claudio Monteverdi, Georg Friedrich Handel, Franz Joseph Haydn and Giacomo Puccini in the medallions of the arches. Between the winter of 2009 and the spring of 2011, restoration work were carried out on the structure. The roof and the balustrades were renovated and the pictorial decorations were refreshed. On Read more [...]

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    Castello sul Mare

    Castello sul Mare (Castle-on-the-Sea) is a small castle in Rapallo, located on the waterfront Vittorio Veneto. The castle is the symbol of the town and was declared a national monument by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.   SHORT HISTORY The decision to build a castle for defensive purposes was taken after the events of July 4, 1549, when Rapallo suffered the assault of the Turkish pirate Dragut, who looted the town and kidnapped 22 young girls. The building, based on a design by Antonio de Càrabo, was begun in 1550, and the works were completed one year later. With the construction of the Castle of Rapallo, the entire western area of the Gulf of Tigullio was completed with a defensive system, which included also the castles of Portofino, Paraggi, Santa Margherita Ligure and the nearby Punta Pagana. The new mayor of Rapallo, Benedetto Fieschi Raggio, was able to inaugurate the castle on May 10, 1551, and asked the Genoese Senate for the necessary artillery to defend the castle. In the following years, the castle was modified several times, expanding its structure. In 1608, it became the seat of the captainship of Rapallo. Here, the captain had his office, while in Read more [...]

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    Palazzo della Regione Liguria

    Palazzo della Regione Liguria is a palace in Genoa, located in Piazza De Ferrari, between the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo della Borsa. Today, the palace is the headquarters of the Regional Council of Liguria.   SHORT HISTORY In 1908, the engineer Cesare Gamba bought the area near the Church of Sant’Ambrogio. In 1912, he presented to the Municipality the project of a building adjacent to the church, which sparked some controversy. Two years later, in 1914, he presented a new project, but the negotiations, suspended during the First World War, resumed only in 1920, when Gamba decided to sell the area to the Company of Italian General Navigation. After a series of variations approved by the Municipality between 1921 and 1923, the final project designed by Gamba in collaboration with the engineer Giuseppe Tallero was completed in 1924 – a monumental palace in Neo-Mannerist style, with a tripartite facade on a portico with round arches. Currently, the building is the seat of the Regional Council of Liguria.   HOW TO GET THERE Palazzo della Regione Liguria is located in Piazza De Ferrari. The closest Metro and bus station is De Ferrari, about 80 meters away. By bus, you can Read more [...]

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    Cathedral of San Lorenzo

    The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a beautiful church in Genoa, located in the small square with the same name. The cathedral is dedicated to San Lawrence, one of the patron saints of Genoa, together with Saint George, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Sebastian.   SHORT HISTORY A first church was built on this place around the 5th or 6th century AD, and dedicated to the bishop of Genoa, San Siro (Saint Sirus). The first documents that attest the existence of a church dedicated to San Lorenzo date back to 878. In 1007, the ancient church of San Siro was given to the Benedictine monks and the episcopal seat was transferred to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Starting with 1098, the reconstruction of the church began and the project was entrusted to the Magistri Antelami, master architects, sculptors and carpenters of Romanesque tradition. The building was consecrated in 1118 by Pope Gelasio II. In the 13th century, the church was renovated in Gothic style. The first order of the facade, with its three Gothic portals, dates back to that period. After the fire of 1296, the building, very damaged, was rebuilt again. Between 1307 and 1312, the facade was Read more [...]

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    Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato

    Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is a beautiful church in Genoa, located in Piazza della Nunziata, in the Prè district. The building is one of the most representative churches of the Genoese art of the late Mannerism and early Baroque of the 17th century.   SHORT HISTORY In 1228, a community of Humiliati friars from Lombardy built on this place a convent and a small church dedicated to Santa Maria del Prato. In 1508, the convent and the church were assigned to the Conventual Franciscan friars from the Convent of San Francesco di Castelletto. The Franciscans started a new construction, better suited for their liturgical needs. Work began on July 20, 1520, when the first stone was laid. The church was built in late Gothic style to respect the artistic style of the mother church of the Franciscan Order, the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. In 1537, the Conventuals left the church to return to the Convent of San Francesco di Castelletto, and the church passed to the Observant Franciscan friars, forced to leave the Convent of the Santissima Annunziata di Portoria. Following the dictates of the Council of Trent, the basilica was radically transformed beginning with 1591. The Read more [...]

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    Church of Jesus and the Saints Ambrogio and Andrea

    The Church of Jesus and the Saints Ambrogio and Andrea is a Baroque church in Genoa, located in Piazza Matteotti, near the Palazzo Ducale and the Piazza De Ferrari. The church, belonging to the Jesuits from the 16th century, hosts works by the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, the Italian artist Guido Reni and by the greatest authors of the Genoese Baroque.   SHORT HISTORY The primitive church of Sant’Ambrogio dates back to the 6th century, when the Milanese clergy fled to Genoa, following the Lombard persecutions. The Genoese captivity of the Milanese bishops lasted until the middle of the 7th century, when the bishop Giovanni Bono (John the Good) returned to Milan. Around 1522, the old church passed into the hands of the Jesuits. In 1589, the Jesuits rebuilt the church to its current form, on a project by the architect Giuseppe Valeriano. The facade of the church was completely rebuilt in the second half of the 19th century. Completed in 1894, the facade included two statues of Sant’Ambrogio and Sant’Andrea, by Michele Ramognino.   ART In the central nave and in the dome, we can find frescoes by the painter Giovanni Carlone and by his younger brother, Giovanni Read more [...]

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    Old Port Genova

    Old Port Genova is a bed and breakfast in Genoa, located about 150 meters away from the Aquarium of Genoa. The B&B is dedicated to people who want to experience the luxury and all the comforts of a 4-Star hotel, but in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The B&B features free WiFi and an Italian breakfast is available each morning at the property.   HOW TO GET THERE Old Port Genova is located about 950 meters away from the Genova Piazza Principe railway station. The closest Metro stop is Darsena, located about 280 meters away.

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    Grand Hotel Savoia

    Grand Hotel Savoia is a 5-Star hotel in Genoa, located opposite to Genova Piazza Principe train station and about 1 kilometer from the Aquarium of Genoa. Built in 1897, the Grand Hotel Savoia is among the oldest hotels in Italy. Over time, the hotel welcomed some of the most illustrious international politicians, actors and musicians. At the Grand Hotel Savoia, each room is unique, evoking a journey across the open seas. All the rooms are embellished with marble and glass mosaics combined with the warm elegance of the parquet flooring. The hotel features a fitness area and a small wellness center, which includes a sauna, a large hot tub and aromatherapy showers.   HOW TO GET THERE The hotel is located about 120 meters away from the Genova Piazza Principe railway station. The closest Metro stop is Principe, located about 350 meters away.

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    Hotel Palazzo Grillo

    Hotel Palazzo Grillo is a 4-Star hotel in Genoa, located in a historical building, about 450 meters away from the Aquarium of Genoa. Built in 1545 by the will of Domenico Grillo, Palazzo Grillo was abandoned over the last few decades. Starting with 2011, the palace was renovated and transformed into a beautiful hotel. Hotel Palazzo Grillo offers 25 rooms. Each room is distinguished by a modern, comfortable style with an interesting design. The rooms feature free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a bidet.   HOW TO GET THERE Hotel Palazzo Grillo is located about 1.2 kilometers away from the Genova Piazza Principe railway station. The closest Metro stop is San Giorgio, located about 270 meters away.

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    Church of Santa Chiara

    The Church of Santa Chiara is a church located in Bogliasco, in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, dedicated to the Saint Clare of Assisi. Saint Clare of Assisi is one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, known today as the Order of Poor Clares, a religious order for women, in the Franciscan tradition.   SHORT HISTORY The local confraternity, devoted to Santa Chiara, was founded in 1403. The existence and works of the congregation are mentioned in numerous documents dated back to the 16th century. In a document dated 1582, the visit of Monsignor Francesco Bossi is attested, where the condition of the church and its furnishings was verified. The church was completely rebuilt and enlarged in the first half of the 17th century.   ART Inside, we can find a wooden crucifix from 1712 by the sculptor Giovanni Battista Maragliano, son of the famous Baroque sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano. The crucifix was restored in 1988. Another interesting work of art is the large altarpiece depicting Saint Roch with Saint Pantaleone and Saint Firmina, dated 1759, of an unknown painter. Another valuable painting inside the church is the one depicting Saint Clare Read more [...]

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    Casa Mare

    Casa Mare is an apartment in Bogliasco, located in Via Emanuele Pontiroli, about 700 meters away from the main beach of the town. Casa Mare can accommodate up to 4 people. The apartment features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free WiFi, a well-equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a bath and bidet. Private parking is available at Casa Mare.   HOW TO GET THERE Casa Mare is located about 300 meters away from the Bogliasco train station. To find the apartment on foot, use the map below.

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    My Sweet Home

    My Sweet Home is a two-room apartment in Bogliasco, located in Via Guglielmo Marconi, about 350 meters away from the main beach of the town. My Sweet Home, completely renovated in July 2017, can accommodate up to 4 people. The apartment features a bedroom with a double bed and a large wardrobe, a living room eqquipped with a double sofa bed, a kitchenette with a fridge, oven and microwave, and a bathroom with shower. The building has also a lovely private garden, where you can enjoy splendid evenings in absolute relaxation.   HOW TO GET THERE My Sweet Home is located about 600 meters away from the Bogliasco railway station. To find the apartment on foot, use the map below.

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    La Mansarda Sul Mare

    La Mansarda Sul Mare is an apartment in Bogliasco, located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, about 30 meters away from the main beach of the town. The apartment was completely renovated in 2016, and comes with a kitchen, a seating area and a bathroom. The apartment offers air conditioning, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. From its terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Bogliasco.   HOW TO GET THERE La Mansarda Sul Mare is located about 500 meters away from the Bogliasco train station. To find the apartment on foot, use the map below.

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    Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Chiesa della Natività di Maria Santissima) is a church located in Via Ammiraglio Giovanni Bettolo, in Bogliasco.   SHORT HISTORY A church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary existed in Bogliasco Alto since the 12th century. The church was mentioned for the first time in a document dated December 3, 1182. The church was elevated to the title of parish in 1576. During the 17th century, various restoration works were carried out on the ancient religious building. The decision to build a new church in Bogliasco Basso was taken in the first half of the 18th century, and the design of the architect Giovanni Antonio Ricca was chosen. The works were started in 1731 and, by 1736, all the side altars were completed. One year later, in 1737, the entire building was finished. The church was consecrated on October 12, 1794, by the Archbishop of Genoa Giovanni Lercari. During the 19th century, the church underwent some restoration works, such as the frescoing of the vault in 1884 by the painter Virginio Grana and the changing of the wooden choir in 1742 by Andrea Bocciardo.   ART The Read more [...]

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    Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

    The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie is a small chapel located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, in Bogliasco, dedicated to Our Lady of Grace.   SHORT HISTORY The chapel was probably built right after the terrible plague that struck the entire region of Liguria in 1657. A text from 1685 signed by a parish priest confirmed that the sanctuary already existed at that time. Following the construction of a new provincial road in the vicinity, the chapel was rebuilt in 1817 in its current position. On April 26, 1925, a new building was inaugurated here, on a project by the engineer Pietro Luxoro. On this occasion, a new altar donated by the Bigatti family was added in the chapel.   ART Inside, the sanctuary preserves a painting on wood of an unknown author depicting the Virgin Mary. The chapel also has a substantial collection of votive offerings donated by believers, including four paintings by Domenico Gavarrone, two by Berto Ferrari and one by Piero Bozzo.   HOW TO GET THERE The sanctuary is located about 700 meters away from the Bogliasco train station, or about 12 minutes on foot. To find the chapel easily, use the map below.

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    Castello di Riomaggiore

    Castello di Riomaggiore is a castle located in the upper part of the historical center of Riomaggiore. The castle, with a quadrangular structure and two stubby circular towers, was used originally for defensive purposes, and later converted into a cemetery. Today, the castle is used by the municipality as a conference hall and cultural center.   SHORT HISTORY According to historical sources, the castle was built by the Turcotti Marquises in 1260, lords of the village of Ripalta, near Borghetto di Vara, on the ruins of a pre-existing fortress. After the domination of the Count Nicolò Fieschi, a new castle, located on the hill that divides the valley of Rio Maggiore from that of Rio Finale, was finally completed by the Republic of Genoa between the 15th and 16th centuries. During the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte, the internal area of the fort was filled with earth and destined for the burial of the deceased locals. At the end of the 20th century, the whole complex underwent a general recovery, being converted into a cultural center.   HOW TO GET THERE The Castle of Riomaggiore is located about 450 meters away from the Riomaggiore railway station, or about 10 minutes on Read more [...]

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    Oratory of San Rocco and San Sebastiano

    The Oratory of San Rocco and San Sebastiano (Oratory of Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian) is a small place of worship located in the beautiful seaside village of Riomaggiore. The oratory is built in a panoramic position next to the Castle of Riomaggiore, on the ridge that separates the Rio Maggiore valley, where the village rises.   SHORT HISTORY According to some people, the Oratory of San Rocco was built in 1480 as a sign of gratitude for the end of the plague that killed almost half the population of the village. According to others, the oratory was built almost a century later.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The small building, with very simple architectural forms, is preceded by a portico. The interior, consisting of a single room covered by a lowered barrel vault and decorated with devotional frescoes, takes light from small windows splayed in the thickness of the walls. On the Baroque altar there is a triptych with the Virgin and Child between Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian.   HOW TO GET THERE The Oratory of San Rocco is located about 450 meters away from the Riomaggiore railway station, or about 8-10 minutes on foot. Depending on the route Read more [...]

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    Castello dei Doria

    Castello dei Doria is a castle located on a rocky ridge about 70 meters high, in Vernazza. The castle was named after the Doria family, originally from Genoa, one of the most important noble families in the history of Italy.   SHORT HISTORY The first informations about a castle in Vernazza dates back to the 13th century, but it is believed that the first nucleus of the building dates back to the 11th century, and that it was built during the domination of the Obertenghi, a family of Italian nobility descended from Count Obert I of Luni. In particular, the cylindrical tower, which currently stands in the middle of the castel’s terrace, and which was restored during the 20th century, is the oldest part of the fortification. In the 12th century, the castle and the village of Vernazza passed to the bishops of Luni, to the Da Passano family and then to the Fieschi in the second half of the century. Occupied in the same century by Pisa, in the attacks related to the Battle of Meloria, in which also sailors and ships from Vernazza participated, the castle soon returned into the hands of the Genoese. During the crucial phases Read more [...]

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    Castello della Dragonara

    Castello della Dragonara, known also as the Castel Dragone, is a castle in Camogli, located in Via Isola, near the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.   SHORT HISTORY According to some historical sources, the castle was probably built in the first half of the 13th century. In the second half of the 14th century, the castle, to ensure the safety of the fishing village of Camogli, was repeatedly reinforced, receiving the necessary weapons from the Republic of Genoa. In the 14th century, the Dragonara Castle was attacked several times. Well documented are the assaults made by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, and the one made by Nicolò Fieschi in 1366. Between 1428 and 1430, the castle was considerably enlarged and reinforced, especially the adjacent watchtower. In 1438, the Duchy of Milan besieged the castle, destroying its walls. A few years later, the inhabitants of the seaside village built new walls around the castle. In 1448, due to a conflict between Camogli, Recco and Genoa, the Republic demanded the immediate destruction of the castle. The castle was destroyed, but it was rebuilt again only six years later and given to the Doge of Genoa. In the 16th century, the castle Read more [...]

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    Church of San Pietro

    The Church of San Pietro is an ancient church dedicated to Saint Peter, built on a rocky edge in Portovenere, facing the beautiful Gulf of Poets.   SHORT HISTORY The original church was founded on the ancient remains of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venus Erycina, and was consecrated in 1198. The black and white bands on the walls were added by the Genoese in the 13th century, presumably between 1256 and 1277. The church lost its parochial title at the end of the 14th century, in favor of the Church of San Lorenzo, and was officiated by the secular clergy until 1798. In 1494, the church was affected by the attacks of the Aragonese, and later, during the Napoleonic era, was used as a battery to defend the Gulf of La Spezia. The church underwent a significant restoration work between 1929 and 1934.   ARCHITECTURE The original church is a work in the Syriac tradition of the 5th century, with a rectangular plan and a semicircular apse. Two round arches connect this space with the newer church. The latter has a structural wooden roof and the presbytery is divided into three chapels, covered with ogival and cross Read more [...]

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    Church of San Lorenzo

    The Church of San Lorenzo is a religious building dedicated to Saint Lawrence, located in a dominant position on a hill overlooking the village of Portovenere, close to the Castello Doria. The church is also known today as the Sanctuary of the White Madonna (Santuario della Madonna Bianca), the White Madonna being the patron saint of Portovenere.   SHORT HISTORY According to some historical sources, a first church was erected here in Romanesque style starting with 1098, on a place where, in ancient times, there was probably a temple dedicated to Jupiter. The church was consecrated in 1130 by Pope Innocent II. At the end of the 14th century, the Church of San Lorenzo inherited the parochial title from the Church of San Pietro. In 1340, a fire damaged the church and, in 1494, the building was partially destroyed by the incursion of the Aragonese. For these reasons, the church underwent restoration works between 1494 and 1582. These interventions consisted in the replacement of the black Portoro marble columns with white marble columns, the demolition of the presbytery’s nave tower and its replacement with an octagonal dome, the reconstruction of the bell tower next to the apse and the replacement Read more [...]

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    Castello Doria

    Castello Doria is a castle located on a rocky hill overlooking the seaside village of Portovenere, one of the great examples of military architecture of the Republic of Genoa.   SHORT HISTORY An ancient fortress already existed in this place when, in 1139, the Republic of Genoa gained control of the village of Portovenere, with the help of the local lords of Vezzano. In 1161, the castle was rebuilt closer to the Church of San Pietro, and the new building was virtually annexed to the old fortified structure, including two identical watch towers. In the 13th century, the castle was the center of the struggles between Genoa and Pisa for the conquest of the surrounding lands. In the second half of the 15th century, Genoa decided to demolish the castle and rebuild it in a modern style, according to the architectural and military canons of the period. The rebuilding works continued in the 15th and 16th centuries, but the fortress took its current appearance only in the 17th century. During the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte, at the beginning of the 19th century, the castle was used as a prison, without altering its architectural forms. Today, the ancient Genoese fortress Read more [...]

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    Church of the Immaculate Conception

    The Church of the Immaculate Conception (Chiesa dell’Immacolata Concezione) is a beautiful church in Sestri Levante, located on an elevated position to the east of Baia del Silenzio.   SHORT HISTORY The first Capuchin friars arrived in the village in 1609, and settled right in the center of Sestri Levante. In 1640, they built a church with a conventual structure attached, the today’s complex of the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli. The urbanization of the town in the following years, which no longer allowed the friars proper isolation from the population, led them to choose a more isolated location on the hill located east of the Bay of Silence. The construction of the new complex began in 1683 and ended in 1688, the year of the transfer of the order to the new convent. The former complex was sold in 1686 to the Secular Priests of San Pietro in Vincoli. In the agreement signed with the Seculars, it was agreed that any work of art and furnishings should remain the property of the Capuchins. The property of the convent was managed directly by the friars until 1866 when, for unknown reasons, the church and the convent were sold to Read more [...]

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    Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth

    The Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth is a beautiful church in Sestri Levante, located in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, near the wonderful Baia del Silenzio.   SHORT HISTORY The presence of a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary of Nazareth is attested on this place as early as 1368. In 1604, the building of a new church began, supervised by the architect Gio Batta Carbone, who will finish the work almost 12 years later, in 1616. The church inherited the title of co-cathedral of the diocese of Brugnato from the pre-existing Church of San Nicolò, and was the residence of the bishops of the diocese from the 16th to the 18th century. In the first half of the 19th century, Giambattista Prato restructured the facade of the church, also adding a neoclassical pronaos.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The interior has a structure with three naves divided by square pillars with pilasters on which rounded arches rest. The decorations are dated between the 18th and 19th centuries. The central nave has a barrel vault with lunettes, a raised presbytery and a semicircular apse. In the side aisles there are several side chapels with small cross vaults. The high altar with polychrome Read more [...]

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    Palazzo della Borsa

    Palazzo della Nuova Borsa Valori, better known as Palazzo della Borsa, is a historic palace in Genoa, located in Piazza De Ferrari. Built by the architects Dario Carbone and Amedeo Pieragostini, the palace has an architecture that recalls the neo-cinquecentesco style, while the interiors, by Adolfo Coppedè, are inspired by the Art Nouveau style.   SHORT HISTORY In 1855, a decree officially announced the birth of the Trading Exchange in Genoa, hosted by the Loggia di Banchi and the Palazzo Senarega, and administered by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. On June 27, 1905, a new company, Società Nuova Borsa, was born for the construction of the Palazzo della Borsa. The place where the building stands today was bought in 1906 by the company mentioned above, and the palace was inaugurated on 20 July 1912. In 1912, the Stock Market remained in the Loggia di Banchi, while the Stock Exchange moved to Piazza De Ferrari, in the new building of Palazzo della Borsa. With the computerization of the exchanges and the transition to the electronic system, the Genoese Stock Exchange closed on 28 February 1994. Today, the building is mainly used as an exhibition space.   ARCHITECTURE The monumental facade with Read more [...]

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    Palazzo Ducale

    Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) is a historical palace in Genoa, the residence of the Doge since 1339 and, today, the main cultural center of the city, which offers exhibitions, conferences, festivals, shows and all sort of educational activities.   SHORT HISTORY After the Battle of Meloria against the Republic of Pisa and the Battle of Curzola against Venice, both fought at the end of the 13th century, Genoa became the superpower of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the economic leader of the region. Therefore, during those times, the city felt the need for a sumptuous representative palace and, in 1298, the building of the Doge’s Palace begun. Palazzo Ducale was built around the palace of Alberto Fieschi, with its Torre del Popolo (Tower of the People), which forms the original core of the complex. The Tower became one of the symbols of political power of Genoa, and the tolls of its bell announced the most solemn and tragic moments of the city. Starting with the 14th century, the Tower of the People became a dungeon for political prisoners, conspirators and anarchists, and remained a prison until the 20th century. The palace was named Ducale in 1339, when it became the seat Read more [...]

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    Piazza De Ferrari

    Piazza De Ferrari is the main square of Genoa, and the commercial, financial and economic hub of the city. The square is dedicated to Raffaele De Ferrari, Duke of Galliera, politician and banker. With an irregular shape, due to successive urban interventions, which led to the unification of two adjoining areas, the square is part of the ancient sestiere (district) of Portoria, and occupies an area of about 11,000 square meters.   SHORT HISTORY After the annexation of the Ligurian Republic to the Kingdom of Sardinia, in 1814, the local authorities decided to create a large public space in the heart of the Portoria district, destined to become a place of social and cultural meeting. On June 2, 1818, King Vittorio Emanuele I authorized the demolition of the Church of San Domenico, to build the Carlo Felice Theater, designed by the architect Carlo Barabino and completed in 1827. A two-storey building appeared in 1831, destined for the Linguistic Academy (Palazzo dell’Academia Ligustica). In 1877, one year after his death, it was decided to name the square after Raffaele De Ferrari. In 1893, the monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi was inaugurated in front of the colonnade of the Carlo Felice Theater. The Read more [...]

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    Church of San Giovanni Battista

    The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a Catholic church located in the upper part of the historical center of Riomaggiore, in Via Pecunia, 47.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built in Romanesque style in 1340, as stated by a plaque on the facade, at the behest of the bishop of the diocese of Luni, Antonio Fieschi. Due to a collapse of the church, an important restoration was carried out between 1870 and 1871. The extension of the complex and the reconstruction of the facade in Neo-Gothic style preserved, however, the 14th-century rose window in white Carrara marble.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE On the right side of the church, there are still visible today the single-lancet windows and the two entrances in Gothic style decorated with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic elements dated back to the Romanesque period. The interior has a basilica plan and is divided into three naves, with ogival arches. The presbytery and the two end chapels, all closed by a balustrade with statues, have a late Baroque appearance. Behind the main altar, adorned with two 18th-century statues, there is a beautiful wooden choir. Two other marble altars are on the sides. The one on the right is Read more [...]

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    Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia

    The Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia is located in the seaside village of Vernazza, near the main square of the town, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi.   SHORT HISTORY It seems that a first church in Romanesque style was built on this place in the 11th century. Two centuries later, the current church was raised on the foundations of the previous one, of which only the apse remained. The new building is mentioned for the first time in a document from 1318. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the structure was considerably enlarged, however, destroying the medieval facade. In the 18th century, the church underwent a new renovation, with the interior being redecorated in Baroque style. From the 19th century, the access to the church is made from the square, through a door built in the apse area. Between 1964 and 1970, new restorations were made: the wooden roof was replaced, the bell tower was elevated and the interior was again redecorated in Romanesque style.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The church has a 40-meter-high octagonal bell-tower, crowned with arches and with an ogival dome on top. Inside, there are two paintings from the 17th century, a processional crate and a wooden crucifix, Read more [...]

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    Vernazza Beach

    Vernazza Beach is a rocky beach in Vernazza, somewhat hidden from the eyes of the tourists coming down from the train station, on Via Roma, heading towards the small port of the town. The beach is relatively new. It was formed by the debris during the flood of 2011, when the town was almost put to the ground. The beach is not spectacular, but its location near the cliff of Vernazza, with the colorful houses overlooking from above, makes it an interesting stop on your trip along the Ligurian coast.   HOW TO GET THERE To access the beach, walk down on Via Roma, the main street of the town, until you see on your left an opening in the rock. Through this passage, you will reach the beach.

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    Church of Santa Maria Assunta

    Along with the sea, the beach and the colorful buildings, the back of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta completes the superb painting of this beautiful seaside town named Camogli.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built, according to historical sources, in the 12th century, on a rock in the immediate vicinity of the marina. Over the years, the structure has undergone various interventions and extensions, especially in the 16th century and in the 19th century. In 1970, in the three niches of the facade facing the small Isola square, the statues of the saints Prospero, Fortunato and the Madonna del Boschetto were placed. The building was consecrated in 1826 by the Archbishop of Genoa, Monsignor Luigi Lambruschini, and again, in 1847, by Monsignor Placido Maria Tadini.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The interior, decorated in Baroque style, consists of three naves and is entirely covered with fine stuccos in gold and polychrome marble. In the vault, frescoes of the late 19th century are preserved, made by the painters Nicolò Barabino and Francesco Semino. The high altar was made by the sculptor Andrea Casareggio, while in the sacristy we can find a painting by Luca Cambiaso. The chapels of the right Read more [...]

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    Camogli Beach

    Camogli Beach is a 400-meter-long rocky beach in Camogli, overlooked by the colorful buildings of the town, bounded to the west by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and to the east by the slopes of Monte di Portofino. If you don’t mind the pebbles, the beach might be perfect for you. The water is clear and the view is fantastic. On the beach, you can find plenty of lidos, with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach is separated by the town by Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, an enchanting promenade on which you can find hotels, bars, restaurants and various shops.   HOW TO GET THERE The beach is 150 meters or about 2 minutes on foot from the Camogli train station. The closest bus station is Piazza Schiaffino, on the route of the bus 73.

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    Hotel Piccolo Portofino

    Hotel Piccolo Portofino is a 4-Star boutique hotel in Portofino, located in a historic villa that now features stylish interiors, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Ligurian Riviera. The hotel offers 23 rooms with air conditioning, satellite and pay-per-view channels. Some rooms have a balcony or sea views. Hotel Piccolo Portofino offers a private rocky beach with a bar and guests can relax on the terraces of the hotel, enjoying wonderful panoramic views.   HOW TO GET THERE The hotel is located about 500 meters away from the center of Portofino, in a small beautiful bay. On foot, the hotel is about 8 minutes of walking from the Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, the main square of the town.

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    Belmond Splendido Mare

    Belmond Splendido Mare is a 5-Star hotel located in the main square of Portofino, Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, overlooking the Marina di Portofino. The hotel offers 16 rooms and suites, all with free WiFi and a satellite flat-screen TV. The guests have access to facilities of the Belmond Hotel Splendido, located about 700 meters away, like the outdoor pool, the fitness centre and also the wellness centre. The Chuflay Restaurant, located near the hotel, offers regional specialities and a selection of fine wines.   HOW TO GET THERE Belmond Splendido Mare is located right in the center of Portofino, about 50 meters away from the Marina di Portofino, 300 meters from the Church of San Giorgio and about 500 meters from Castello Brown.

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    Belmond Hotel Splendido

    Belmond Hotel Splendido is a 5-Star hotel in Portofino, located on a hillside overlooking the Marina di Portofino. The hotel offers 70 rooms and suites, some with panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio. All the rooms come with free WiFi and a satellite flat-screen TV. The guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, the fitness centre with sauna and also a wellness centre. The hotel has 3 restaurants serving traditional Ligurian cuisine. An American buffet is served daily for breakfast.   HOW TO GET THERE Belmond Hotel Splendido is about 700 meters away from the main square of Portofino. If you want to stay as close as possible to the center of the town, you can search for accommodation at the other Belmond Hotel in Portofino, Splendido Mare, located right in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta.

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    Church of San Giorgio

    The Church of San Giorgio is a small Catholic church in Portofino, located on an elevated position, enjoying a panoramic view of the Marina di Portofino. The church is dedicated to Saint George, a soldier in the Roman army and member of the Praetorian Guard for Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his Christian faith.   SHORT HISTORY According to a plaque located inside the church, the structure was built in Romanesque style in 1154. The church was revised and modified in 1691 and, at the same time, the road of Salita San Giorgio was widened, allowing the locals to reach the church from the main square of the village. A further restoration took place in 1760. During the Second World War, the church was completely destroyed by a bomb. The reconstruction work started after the end of the conflict, in 1950, and the church was rebuilt following the plans of 1760. Inside the church, there are the relics of Saint George, the patron saint of Portofino, brought by the sailors returning from the Crusades.   HOW TO GET THERE You can get to the Church of San Giorgio after a short climb of Read more [...]

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    Castello Brown

    Castello Brown, formerly known as the Castle of San Giorgio, is an ancient military fortress placed in an elevated position, that dominates the small town of Portofino. The castle is surrounded by a Mediterranean garden full of cypress trees, flowers and pergolas.   SHORT HISTORY During some excavations in the area, in the place of today’s castle were found traces of an ancient Roman watchtower dating back to the 3rd century AD. The first official information on the current structure dates back to 1425, when Tomaso Fregoso, Doge of the Republic of Genoa, occupied the village of Portofino. In the 16th century, several restoration and expansion works were carried out. Between 1554 and 1557, the castle was extended by a new platform towards the port, after a design by the engineer Giovanni Maria Olgiati. In 1624, new works strengthened the castle, and in 1728, other works were carried out, enriching the armament and arranging the interior of the fortress. The fortress passed to the French in 1797, when Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Liguria. After Napoleon left and the town was included in the Kindom of Sardinia and subsequently in the Kingdom of Italy, the military fortress was completely disarmed starting with Read more [...]