All SEE in Liguria

Marina di Portovenere is the main harbor and nautical heart of Portovenere, a historic seaside town located at the western edge of the Gulf of La Spezia. Positioned directly along the town’s waterfront, the marina plays a central role in local maritime life, tourism, and yachting activities along the Ligurian coast. Sheltered by the natural curvature of the coastline and protected from prevailing winds, the Marina di Portovenere offers safe mooring conditions in close proximity to the historic center. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding coastline, including the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, as well as the Cinque Terre marine area. The marina combines practical port services with a striking scenic setting. Colorful Ligurian houses rise behind the quay, while medieval fortifications and churches frame the harbor, creating one of the most recognizable coastal landscapes in northern Italy. For visitors arriving by sea, Marina di Portovenere provides an immediate immersion into the town’s architectural and maritime character.     Short History of the Marina di Portovenere The history of the Marina di Portovenere is deeply intertwined with the development of Portovenere as a strategic maritime settlement. Human presence in the area dates back to Read more [...]

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 [...]

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.

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The Church of Santa Chiara (Chiesa di Santa Chiara) is an important religious and historical building located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini in Bogliasco. Dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, the church represents a centuries-old center of devotion closely connected to Franciscan spirituality and to the confraternal traditions that have shaped religious life in Bogliasco since the late Middle Ages. Although modest in size, the Church of Santa Chiara preserves a remarkable artistic and spiritual heritage. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of the local confraternity dedicated to Saint Clare, whose activities are documented over several centuries. The church also houses significant artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and liturgical furnishings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, making it a valuable testimony to the religious art of Liguria. Saint Clare of Assisi was one of the earliest and most devoted followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Inspired by Francis’s ideals of poverty, humility, and devotion, she founded the Order of Poor Clares, originally known as the Order of Poor Ladies. This religious order, rooted in the Franciscan tradition, was dedicated to a life of strict poverty, prayer, and contemplation. The dedication of the Bogliasco church to Saint Clare reflects the diffusion Read more [...]

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Italian: Chiesa della Natività di Maria Santissima) is one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in Bogliasco, a seaside town located along the eastern Riviera of Liguria, not far from Genoa. The church stands in Via Ammiraglio Giovanni Bettolo, in the lower part of the town (Bogliasco Basso), and represents the spiritual, artistic, and architectural heart of the local community. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church reflects centuries of devotion, transformation, and artistic enrichment. Its current Baroque structure is the result of a long historical process that began in the Middle Ages and culminated in the monumental church visible today. Through documented restorations, commissions by renowned artists, and liturgical updates, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has remained a living testimony to the religious and cultural history of Bogliasco.   Short History of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary The origins of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary date back to the 12th century, when a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary already existed in the upper part of the town, Read more [...]

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie (Santuario di Nostra Signora delle Grazie) is a small yet deeply significant Marian place of worship located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini in Bogliasco. Dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, the sanctuary represents an enduring expression of popular devotion, gratitude, and faith rooted in the historical experiences of the local community. Although modest in architectural scale, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie holds substantial historical, religious, and cultural value. Its origins are closely linked to one of the most traumatic events in Ligurian history – the devastating plague of the 17th century – and its subsequent transformations reflect both changes in urban development and the persistent Marian devotion of the faithful. The sanctuary also preserves a noteworthy collection of votive offerings, making it an important testimony to centuries of lived religious experience in Bogliasco.   Powered by GetYourGuide   Short History of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie The origins of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie are traditionally associated with the aftermath of the plague of 1657, one of the most catastrophic epidemics to strike the region of Liguria. This outbreak caused widespread mortality and profoundly affected coastal and inland Read more [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Castello della Dragonara, also known as Castel Dragone, is a historic coastal fortress located in Camogli, in Via Isola, just a short distance from the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Rising dramatically above the Ligurian Sea, the castle dominates the western edge of the town’s historic center and represents one of the most iconic symbols of Camogli’s maritime and defensive past. The position of Castello della Dragonara is both strategic and scenic. Built on a rocky spur overlooking the harbor, the castle was designed to control access from the sea and protect the village from naval raids. From its terraces and walls, the view opens across the Gulf of Paradise, offering a sweeping panorama that today enchants visitors but once served as a crucial lookout point for spotting enemy ships. Architecturally, the castle reflects its medieval military origins. Its compact mass, thick stone walls, and elevated placement speak of a structure conceived for defense rather than comfort. Over the centuries, Castello della Dragonara has undergone numerous transformations, each leaving traces that reflect the turbulent political and military history of Liguria. Despite these changes, it has retained a strong visual identity, remaining closely tied to the character and skyline of Camogli. Read more [...]

The Church of San Pietro is one of the most evocative religious monuments in Portovenere. Dedicated to Saint Peter, the church rises dramatically on a rocky promontory at the western edge of the historic village, directly facing the sea and overlooking the wide expanse of the Gulf of Poets. Its isolated position, suspended between land and water, gives it a symbolic and visual power unmatched by any other building in Portovenere. Perched above the waves, the Church of San Pietro appears almost inseparable from the cliff on which it stands. The surrounding landscape amplifies its spiritual presence: steep rock walls descend into the sea, while the open horizon stretches endlessly westward. This unique setting has made the church one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Ligurian coast and a defining image of Portovenere. Beyond its striking location, the Church of San Pietro represents a layered historical and architectural narrative. Over centuries, the building absorbed religious, military, and cultural functions, reflecting the changing role of Portovenere within the Mediterranean world.   Short History of the Church of San Pietro The origins of the Church of San Pietro are deeply rooted in antiquity. The site on which the church stands was Read more [...]

The Church of San Lorenzo is one of the most important religious landmarks of Portovenere, standing in a commanding position on a hill that overlooks the historic village and the Ligurian Sea. Located close to the Castello Doria, the church dominates the urban skyline and serves as a visual and spiritual focal point for the town. Today, the building is also known as the Sanctuary of the White Madonna (Santuario della Madonna Bianca). The White Madonna is the patron saint of Portovenere and represents the deepest expression of local religious devotion. Its elevated position reinforces its symbolic role. From the church terrace and surrounding paths, the view extends over the harbor, the islands, and the coastline, linking sacred space with the maritime environment that has shaped Portovenere’s history.   Short History of the Church of San Lorenzo According to historical tradition, the origins of the Church of San Lorenzo date back to the late 11th century. Construction of the first building in Romanesque style is believed to have begun around 1098, during a period of intense architectural and religious development in Liguria. The site itself appears to have been sacred even before the medieval church was built. Ancient sources suggest Read more [...]

Castello Doria is a fortified complex that dominates the skyline of Portovenere, rising on a rocky hill above the historic village and the Ligurian Sea. Strategically positioned between land and water, the castle represents one of the most significant examples of military architecture developed by the Republic of Genoa along its maritime borders. From its elevated vantage point, Castello Doria commands sweeping views over the Gulf of La Spezia and the surrounding coastline. This commanding position was not accidental: it reflects the strategic importance of Portovenere as a defensive outpost controlling access to the gulf and protecting Genoese maritime interests. The fortress was conceived not only as a military structure, but also as a visible symbol of Genoese power. Today, Castello Doria remains one of the defining landmarks of Portovenere. Its massive stone walls, bastions, and towers merge with the rocky terrain, creating a powerful architectural presence. While no longer serving a defensive function, the castle continues to shape the town’s identity as a place historically defined by fortification, surveillance, and control of the sea.     Short History of Castello Doria The origins of Castello Doria date back to a period when Portovenere was already recognized for its strategic Read more [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks of Camogli, rising directly above the marina and forming a visual dialogue with the sea, the beach, and the town’s tall, colorful façades. Built on a rocky spur at the water’s edge, the basilica dominates the waterfront and has long served as Camogli’s spiritual, architectural, and symbolic heart. Over the centuries, the building has undergone multiple phases of expansion, restoration, and artistic enrichment, reflecting the town’s historical fortunes and its deep connection to maritime life. The basilica is particularly notable for its richly decorated Baroque interior, its numerous chapels dedicated to saints closely linked to local devotion, and its prominent role in the religious life of the Ligurian coast.     Short History of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta According to historical sources, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta was originally built in the 12th century, at a time when Camogli was developing as an important maritime settlement. As Camogli grew in population and prosperity, especially during the late Middle Ages and early modern period, the church underwent a series of expansions and architectural modifications to accommodate the evolving needs of the faithful. Major interventions Read more [...]

Camogli Beach is a picturesque 400-meter-long rocky shoreline located in the heart of Camogli, a historic fishing village on the Ligurian Riviera. Framed by the iconic, pastel-colored buildings of the town, the beach enjoys a truly scenic setting between land and sea. To the west, it is bordered by the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Camogli’s most recognizable landmarks, while to the east it gently meets the slopes of Monte di Portofino, part of the protected natural area that gives the coastline its wild, unspoiled character. Unlike long sandy beaches, Camogli Beach has a more intimate and authentic feel, reflecting the soul of the town itself. The shoreline is composed mainly of smooth pebbles and stones shaped by centuries of waves, creating a natural contrast with the deep blue waters of the Ligurian Sea. This unique composition contributes to the exceptional clarity of the water, making Camogli Beach a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, and simply enjoying the sea in a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. The beach lies directly at the center of town life, offering visitors the rare opportunity to step straight from historic streets and colorful facades onto the waterfront. This seamless blend of urban charm Read more [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]