In a little bay between Camogli and Portofino, you can discover one of the Ligurian gems: S. Fruttuoso.
At the Portofino Mount feet, S. Fruttuoso is reachable only by see with our boats or on foot along the path of the Portofino Natural Park.
The set is dominated by the Abbey that dates back to the 11th century, by the prominent beach, the Church, the Doria tower, a few fishermen houses.
A legend tells that the Bishop Fruttuoso, dead on stakes in Spain, dreamt the place where the Abbey should be founded and referred that to 5 monks,
who recognized the spot and built the Abbey, after a ling wandering along the Ligurian coasts.
The first historical document which refers to the Abbey dates back to 984 A.D., then first went into the hands of the Benedictines and secondly to the Doria Family who made it bigger.
In 1983 the Doria Pamphily Family donated the full settlement to FAI “Italian Environment Fund” and then the Abbey was totally restored.
San Fruttuoso Bay is even wordly famous for the bronze statue of the Christ of the Abysses, 15 metre deep on the seabed.
You can see it when the sea is very clear. A copy of it is shown inside the Church.
Discover S. Fruttuoso Abbey – Jewel of the Mount of Portofino:
n the Promontory hearth, between Camogli and Portofino, it is set the ancient S. Fruttuoso Abbey,
built between the X and the XII century, restored and open to the FAI public – Italian Environment Found since 1998.
Benedictine Monastery, den of pirates, humble dwelling of fishermen and then Doria princes’ property for centuries: S. Fruttuoso is a magic place immersed in the nature,
reachable only by the sea (by ferry, see line 1 and line 2) or through the paths of the Portofino Mount Park.
Portofino is the most famous Ligurian town in the world.
The presence of consuls, emperors , men of letters, Hollywood Stars, statesmen, rich business men, contributed to the creation
of its special atmosphere and to make the name of Portofino known all over the world.
This touch of jet set and the essential beauty of the area mix together in an extraordinary cocktail, in Portofino simplicity and refined taste live together in a magic atmosphere.
Portofino is an international seaside resort and since 1995 it is included in the “Pea/s of the European Tourism Club” which gathers high touristic, environmental and cultural resorts.
The little ” Piazzetta” (square), the tiny harbour, the old town’s lanes, the typical shops I but a/so a lush vegetation and pathways along the Mountain on the back,
a clear blue sea ,the sparkling bay ,the fishermen’s activities create an unforgettable sight, just only this area can offer.
Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the “pearl” of the Tigullio Gulf, it is the voyage destination of high class tourists,
far those that can appreciate the beautiful setting of the area and the social life that the town can offer during the year.
The small enchanting port, the fin-the-siècle promenade with its colorful houses, the sea, the typical fishing boots of the Ligurian traditions and many comfortable hotels,
contribute to make Santa Margherita one of the most beautiful and unforgettable Ligurian towns.
Many churches and Villas full of masterpieces and remarkable paintings of the most famous Ligurian artists of the 16th century are the evidence of a magnificent past rich in tradition.
To see in Santa Margherita:
Villa Durazzo Centurione, Museum Vittorio G. Rossi, Basilica of Santa Margherita of Antiochia, Church of Sant’Erasmo,
Oratory of Madonna of Suffragio, Villa Lomellini, Villa Carmagnola, Church of Cappuccini.
To see around Santa Margherita:
Neighborhood and the Castle,
Church of San Lorenzo of Costa, Sanctuary of Madonna of Nozarego,
Portofino, Rapallo, Recco, Camogli.
Rapallo is the most important town of the Tigullio area mainly because there is a large choice of first class hotels, residences and services.
The tourist harbour can host more than 350 boats, thousand of tourist come every year to discover the pleasure of a relaxing and refined holiday:
In Rapallo it is easy to combine good food, art, shops and last but not least sport and fun: here you can find golf, tennis, riding stables, sailing and many other sports facilities:
In the summer time many concert, variety shows, musical events are organised on the sea front promenade. We just miss you to put the cherry on the cake!
To see in Rapallo:
Church of Santo Stefano, Church of San Francesco,
The Castle, Civic Museum, Church of San Tommaso
Museum of fabric, lace and bobbin.
To see around Rapallo:
Sanctuary of Madonna of Montallegro, Sanctuary of Madonna of Caravaggio, San Michele of Pagana,
Villa Spinola (San Michele of Pagana), Church of Assunta (San Michele of Pagana).
It is the capital al the Tigullio Gull with approximately 30.0000 inhabitants.
It is lively town with its typical historical centre where it is possible to enjoy a unique atmosphere mixing together crowed areas,
like the daily market, and the more isolated corners like tiny mediaval squares.
The “Carruggio” the main lane, with its elegant medieval porticoes in black stone is the heart al Chiavari, here you can easily find many shops al every type.
Handicrafts activities like chair making (the Campanino Chairs) site working, hand made manufacturing, gastronomy,
the sea and the touristic harbour are part of its economy and a good reason to come and visit.
The best way to discover Chiavari is on foot, without forgetting the hilly inland so rich in olive groves and that can offer breathtaking views.
To see in Chiavari:
Historic Centre, Cathedral of Nostra Signora of Orto, Palace Rocca, Museum Archeologico of Tigullio, Quadreria of Palazzo Torriglia,
Pinacoteca Civica – Rapallo, Museum of Art Precolombiana, Museum Storico and Quadreria, Church of San Giovanni Battista.
To see around Chiavari:
Sanctuary of Madonna of Grazie, Sanctuary of Madonna of Olivo, Abby of Fieschi,
Lavagna, Sestri Levante, Zoagli, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, Rapallo.
Lavagna is separated from Chiavari by the Ente/la River but their rivalry dates back to ancient times.
The little town lives on tourism and related activities because of the many first-class hotels and services as far instance the touristic harbour,
one of the largest in the South Mediterranean area. The town is well equipped and can accommodate more then 1600 boats and yachts.
In the Middle Ages Lavagna was one the most important town of the area, dominated by the Fieschi family even if in contrast with the Maritime republic of Genoa.
After long struggles it was finally annexed to Genoa in 1198.
The Fieschi family took part in the conspiracy against the great admiral Andrea Doria, the failure of this conspiracy and the death of Gian Luigi Fieschi caused the decadence of this powerful family.
The glorious past of Lavagna lives again every year on the 14th August with a feast and a parade in costume universally known as Torta dei Fieschi.
The popular event gets together in Piazza Veneto thousand of tourists attracted also by the big wedding cake created by the great local pastry chefs.
A clear sea long sandy beaches, fun, history and art, food, hospitality and services are the reason for a visit of the Tigullio Gulf and mainly far a visit and stay in Lavagna.
To see in Lavagna:
Casa Carbone property of F.A.I., Basilica of Santa Stefano, Monumental Cemetery,
Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Carmine, Ravenna Palace (civic library), Abby of the Fieschi.
Sestri Levante is called “the town with two seas”: the first one is the lively and crowded Bay of the Fables.
It takes this name because of the presence of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, the second one is the seducing and romantic Bay of Silence.
During the centuries the nature has created the thin strep of land linking the mainland to the island forming this “little paradise” and these unforgettable bays.
At dusk the lights of bars, restaurants and houses create an incredible charming atmosphere.
Sestri Levante offers a wide range of first class hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs without forgetting the touch of art which characterised the all Ligurian Region so rich in history and culture.
Don’t miss the opportunity far a longer stay or a simple visit in this fascinating and fabulous area.
To see in Sestri Levante:
Baia of Favole, Baia of Silenzio, Church of San Nicolò, Palace Durazzo Pallavicini, Church of Santa Maria of Nazareth,
Gallery Rizzi, Church of Immacolata Concezione, MuSeL – Archeological Museum and of the City.
To see around Sestri Levante:
Church of Santa Giulia of Centaura, Cavi of Lavagna, Lavagna, Riva Trigoso, Moneglia, Chiavari,
Sanctuary of N. S. of Guardia al colle of Velva, Church Parrocchiale of San Antonio.