Lavagna, Cuore della Riviera Ligure di Levante - Tourist Guide by Italia Per Voi

LAVAGNA Cuore della Riviera Ligure di Levante

TOURIST GUIDE

CONTENTS Tourist Guide of Lavagna 2019 Edition Trademark deposited by: ITALIA PER VOI S.R.L. All rights reserved Any reproduction or use of copies is prohibited. With the collaboration of ASSOCIAZIONE ALBERGATORI DI LAVAGNA and I.A.T. DI LAVAGNA, PROLAVAGNA

Where we are

NATURE

CREDITS Maps: Italia Per Voi S.R.L.

Editorials and Photos:

Italia Per Voi S.R.L., I.A.T. Lavagna, Luca Sanguineti Foto Flash, Nicoletta Zattone, Elisa Covacci, Roberta Dasso, Diego Picasso, Liguradventure.it, Barbara Biasotti, Marco Raffa, Giovanni Curotto, Enrico Ruggeri, Giulietta Vaio Ricci, Massimiliano MarrÃ¨, Piero Donadio, Anna Camporese, Roberto Franchini, Tiziano Sada, Sergio Michelini

HELPFUL NUMBER I.A.T. Lavagna +39 0185 367272

lavagna_turismo

PLACES OF INTEREST

SPORTS & LEISURE

HOW TO GET HERE

HOW TO MOVE ABOUT

A BIT OF history

The Cuisine

Beaches & outdoor

WHY LAVAGNA?

TORTA DEI FIESCHI

The surroundings

Legend

SAN SALVATORE DI COGORNO

Harbor Motorway A12 Main Road

Equipped beach

Secondary Road Railway line Maritime line

Accessible beach

Cycle line Bau Beach

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Via Previati

Lungo Entella

C.so Genova Via Dei Devoto

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Via Tedisio

PARCO TIGULLIO

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Via Porto Turistico

Via Aurelia Lungomare Labonia

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Via Riso

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Via Roma

C.so Colombo

Via C. Battisti

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Via Cavour

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Train Station

Lungomare Labonia

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Via Aurelia

Via

LAVAGNA

Download the territory

Pla 1 2 3 4

Dog Area

Download the map

Tourist Office

House Museum

Playground CROCETTA

SORLANA Pic Nic Area

Historical monument

Sports Center Parco Tigullio

Church

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aces of Interest Basilica di S. Stefano

Casa Carbone

Villa Grimaldi PARCO TIGULLIO

Chiesa di S. Eufemiano

Monumental Cemetery

Torre del Borgo o Torre Ravenna

Santuario NS del Ponte

Rocche di Sant’Anna

Oratorio della SS. Trinità

Porta di Ponente Piazza S. Caterina

Chiesa di S. Giulia di Centaura

Chiesa SS. Concezione

Santuario di NS del Carmine

Porto Turistico

Oratorio di S. Croce

Palazzo Franzoni

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Via E raldo Fico

Via Rezz a

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Via Riboli

Piazza Cordeviola

Lungo Entella

8 Porto Turistico

6 Via Roma

Via XX Settembre

Via Marsala

P.za 16 Della oito Libertà

Via G

Via dei Devoto Lungo Entella

Via Cavour Via Nuova Italia

Corso Buenos Aires

Galleria Cavour

Via Previati Via dei Devoto

Piazza S. Caterina Piazza Via del Ca rmine Piazza Innocenzo IV 4 Marcon

Via Colombo

Via Degli

Via Cesare Ba ttisti

Via E. Toti

Via Aurelia

Corso Genova

Via Fabio Filzi

Via N. Paggi

Via Cozzo

Via Sanbuceti

Via Ceccardi

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Places of Interest

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Via dei Cogorno

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Torre del Borgo o Torre Ravenna

Basilica di S. Stefano

Porta di Ponente

Monumental Cemetery

Porto Turistico

Oratorio della SS. TrinitĂ lia Giu

Villa Grimaldi PARCO TIGULLIO

Santuario NS del Ponte

Palazzo Franzoni

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Train Station

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Corso G iu

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Railway line

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Via de

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Harbor

PARCO TIGULLIO

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Lungomare Labonia

Equipped beach

Dog Area

Playground Sports Center Parco Tigullio Church

House Museum

Historical monument

Where we are

avagna is known as the city of the Fieschi, an important tourist centre in the Gulf of Tigullio, in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera. The area is enriched by charming olive trees, terraced hills, cultivated fields and river environments, a historical site of extraction and processing of slate, characterized by a very long sandy beach that stretches for several kilometres. The town is situated just at about forty kilometres from Genoa and a little bit more from La Spezia, it has obtained the Blue Flag for the quality of its sea, Spiga Verde for the development and promotion of local agricultural products, and the Green Flag of pediatricians, this recognition indicates a seaside resort with characteristics and beaches suitable for families with children, the town was selected through a survey conducted by a group of pediatricians. The municipality has also obtained ISO 14001 certification. The town offers countless ideas for those who want to practice sports and outdoor activities and for those who want to relax eating well or taking part to cultural events throughout the year. In the immediate surroundings we find the town of Cogorno, with which Lavagna shares the legacy of the history of the Fieschi Family, Dante mentioned Lavagna as â&#x20AC;&#x153;fiumana bellaâ&#x20AC;? in its Divina Commedia, Chiavari and Sestri Levante, are divided and at the same time joint by the Rocche di Sant'Anna. A little further away there are Portofino and its Park, the green heart of the Regional Park d'Aveto, the splendour of the Superb Genoa and the Cinque Terre.

HOW TO GET HERE

y road: Lavagna is halfway between Genoa and La Spezia, take the A12 and exit at Lavagna. The town can also be reached through the charming roads that run through the Apennines. The train is strongly recommended, if you come from the north of Italy, change at Genoa Porta Principe or Chiavari, you can continue with a regional train and reach Lavagna or the hamlet of Cavi. If you come from Roma Termini you can take a fast train, but you might have to change. Lavagna train station has a lift to access the tracks that also allows access to the promenade. By plane: the nearest airport is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cristoforo Colomboâ&#x20AC;? in Genoa, while the airports of Parma and Pisa are at about two hours distance. If you arrive at Milano Malpensa or Milano Linate, you can easily reach the main station thanks to shuttle buses. By sea: The Tourist Port has 1,509 berths (with moorings for boats up to 50mts), of which 140 for transit; on the docks there are several facilities such as catering and shops, the town centre is only at five-minute distance on foot. By boat: The ferry terminal and the cruise terminal of the Port of Genoa, which is one of the major seaports of the Mediterranean and Europe, are only at an hour distance by train from the Riviera. Lavagna and its surroundings are a suitable destination for daily trips or for longer holidays.

HOW TO MOVE ABOUT

isiting Lavagna and its surroundings is simple and comfortable, whatever means of transport you decide to choose. The historic centre is on a human scale: you can easily walk through streets and squares, visit its art treasures, following the scents that come from the kitchens, or go shopping. The long promenade, which reaches the green heart of Tigullio Park, is connected to the town centre by comfortable ramps, accessible for people who move on wheels (push prams, bicycles, wheel chairs). The local transport service

includes buses and trains, the latter particularly useful for travelling, especially during the summer, along the Riviera, from Genoa to La Spezia. There are many possible trip destinations: Santa Margherita Ligure (and Portofino), Camogli, Sestri Levante, Moneglia, Bonassola, Framura, Levanto, Cinque Terre, La Spezia. Local buses will take you to the villages of Santa Giulia, Barassi, Sorlana and Cavi Borgo and the bathing resorts situated along the 3.5 km beach, the longest in Liguria. During the summer you can reach Porto-

fino and San Fruttuoso, Cinque Terre and Portovenere also by sea, thanks to the tourist boat services. It is easy to reach the magnificent cliffs of Portofino and the coast between Sestri Levante and La Spezia for a swim far from the crowd, with your own boat of if you rent one. It is better to use the car in the low season or for daily trips to inland locations such as Santo Stefano d'Aveto, Rezzoaglio or Varese Ligure. A thick network of paths, often beautifully paved, allows you to follow the road that the slate bearers walked from the

quarries on the hills to the sea, carrying large slabs on the heads. The paths are accessible in all seasons and offer magnificent landscapes, connecting Lavagna to the neighbouring villages and valleys, here the traffic is slow, you can go on foot but also by bicycle. The Slate Cycle Route starts from the promenade and allows you to visit the past (Lavagna) and the present (Val Fontanabuona) the area of extraction and processing of slate, cycling along the Entella and its affluent Lavagna for 40 km up to Gattorna, also on secondary roads.

NATURE

avagna is characterizes by three natural ennvironments: the sea, the river and the hill. The very long beach, that distinguishes the town from the sea, is made up of fine sand and small pebbles, typical of this part of Liguria. Along the cliffs that close the area eastwards, it is possible to practice snorkelling and observe the fauna and flora below the watersurface, with its colourful fishes. If you arrive on the seafront early in the morning, or at sunset, it's possible to appreciate the blue horizon that stretches from east to west, interrupted only by bottlenose dolphins, coastal dolphins living in small schools hunting fish, that sometimes can be sighted also from the beach. Lavagna overlooks the Cetacean Sanctuary and has signed the agreement called "Pelagos" for the protection of marine mammals. The Entella river, a Site of Community Importance and a protected Wildlife Oasis, represents an important stopover site for migratory birds and a big non-migratory fauna can be observed all year round. The local section of Lipu (Italian League for Protection of Birds) and Laboratorio Territoriale Tigullio per L'educazione Ambientale organize guided tours and birdwatching. In the river plain several kitchen gardens with local vegetables dot the landscape, with their green that changes across the seasons: gaggetta cabbage and Genoese D.O.P basil are just two examples of the richness that the land of this river helps to grow. Lavagna has also a second Site of Community Importance, shared with Sestri Levante: “Rocche di Sant'Anna - Valle del Fico”. Spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea, Mediterranean maquis and a small permanent wet area host the delicate species that depend on it: amphibians, insects and aquatic plants. The hill behind the narrow coastal strip where the town is situated, rises up to 750 metres of Mount Le Rocchette at a hundred metres from the coastal line: the vegetation goes from Mediterranean maquis with pine groves to olive groves and cultivated areas to mixed wood with chestnut groves, with high animal and plant biodiversity. The hills behind Lavagna were the first quarrying sites of slate, the black stone of Liguria. The landscape has been shaped by the use of this dark stone that becomes grey if lit

by the sunlight: drystone walls and farmhouses, roofs and water collection tanks, supports for vineyards, floors for courtyards, houses and churches but also graves and portals. A walk along the paths around the town will make you appreciate the centuries-old work of those who lived in these places and shaped the landscape, changing the original vegetation, planting olive groves and vineyards that are still a precious resource. Lavagna is crossed by “Sentiero Liguria” a great hiking route that touches the coastal towns, with an eye at sea and one at the mountains. Sentiero Liguria and Alta Via dei Monti Liguri are linked through trails that start from the town

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centre ,reach the hills of Santa Giulia, and then continue towards Val Gravelia. As well as Lavagna, where there are paths for everyone, the neighbouring towns offer numerous trails, suitable for nature lovers: the Botanical Park of Villa Rocca in Chiavari, the promontories of Sestri Levante and the Regional Natural Park of Portofino with their Mediterranean landscapes, or the Aveto Park with its own real mountain environments. Just beyond we find the Cinque Terre National Park and the Regional Natural Park of Portovenere (with Palmaria Island) but also Park of the City Walls of Genoa and Beigua Natural Park.

A BIT OF history

he vocation of Lavagna, over the centuries, has been that of sea and land trade, selling quality agricultural products and slate mining, an aspect shared with Cogorno. The real birth of the village, as for many other Ligurian municipalities, probably dates back to Roman times, the Tiguli called it Labonia-Lavonia, and finally Lavania in the early Middle Ages, until it became the current Lavagna, a name shared by the town and the tributary of the Entella river. Lavagna was evangelized by the monks of the abbey of San Colombano di Bobbio. The arrival of the Lombards gave the

possibility to some families to manage and administer the territory and the lands of the Archbishop of Genoa, the monastery of San Fruttuoso of Camogli and the monastery of Bobbio. During the Carolingian period, the administrators continued to manage the territory both as owners and as tenants, they became known as Counts of Lavagna, the following families emerged among others and became the most powerful: Bianchi, Cogorno, Cavaronchi, Della Torre, Pennelli, San Salvatore, Scorza and Fieschi. Thanks to Federico Barbarossa, the title and assets that these families mana-

ged were confirmed. The Municipality of Genoa, was worried by the power obtained by the Counts, so a castle in Chiavari was built in 1167 to protect the area, and the Counts were ordered to go and live in Genoa. Lavagna became an autonomous municipality around the 12th century: from that moment on, a progressive political and jurisdictional submission to the nearby town of Chiavari, faithful ally of the Superb started, while the Fieschi became part of the Genoese nobility. The Fieschi family gained importance especially within the Church, to which they gave two popes (Adriano V and Innocenzo IV), various cardinals and bishops, not for-

getting their town of origin, San Salvatore (now "di Cogorno") evidence of that period are the numerous churches, the oratory and the columns of the porticos, embellished with carved capitals, and the stone bridge of La Maddalena, built on the river Entella in 1210 by Ugone Fieschi. The portraits of the two Popes, belonging to the Marini foundation, are visible in the Council room of the Municipality of Lavagna. Every year the town remembers the splendid wedding between Count Opizzo Fieschi and the Sienese countess Bianca dei Bianchi, with a huge historical procession: the event is held on the evening of August 14th, preceded by the announcement of the Herald the previous evening. Lavagna suffered the sacking and devastation of the Ottoman pirates in 1564, led by Ulugh-AlĂŹ or OcchialĂŹ (Giovanni Dionigi Galeni), a fate shared with other places of the Gulf. In 1797, the town became part of the Entella Department, with Chiavari, as administrative

centre, in the Ligurian Republic created by Napoleon. Lavagna remained on the sidelines of Chiavari, and became a city only on 12 May 1889. Today Lavagna lives on tourism, especially its seaside resorts, agriculture, crafts and pleasure craft linked to the large marina. Lavagna boasts numerous famous people, who were born, lived or worked here: navigators, such as Pessagno, poets, such as Roccatagliata Ceccardi who lived here for some time, painters, such as Previati, considered one of the masters of Divisionism style, sculptors such as Dall'Orso, illustrators Leo Lionni, philanthropists, such as Devoto, Marini, Cordeviola, Riboli, musicians, as Campodonico, historians such as Ravenna, Paralympic athletes such as Vittorio PodestĂ Silver Medal for Civil Merits, awarded in 2012, evidence of resistance and sacrifice made during the Second World War.

The Cuisine OF lavagna

avagna's cuisine is based on the two cornerstones of slow food: seasonality and territoriality. Daily catch, fresh vegetables such as aubergines, cabbage, courgettes, peas, tomatoes, basil, seasonal wild herbs, the offer of food and wine is perfectly suitable for any kind of taste. There are fish dishes easy to prepare such as anchovy bagnun, mackerel with peas, cappon magro a wonderful combination of flavours with fish and vegetables. The Ligurian cuisine, is simple and poor, in fact we can find many vegetable soups, the "tian" (pans with potatoes, chards or green beans), and above all, stuffed and baked vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, onions), masterpieces of simple flavours obtained with very few

ingredients. Typical of Lavagna are the stuffed cabbages also known as "gaggette" which are served in broth or with a light tomato sauce. D.O.P. basil is cultivated in the plain Entella in Lavagna, this is the main ingredient of the very famous pesto sauce, which is easy to find on many windowsills and among flowerbeds in courtyards, together with marjoram, an aromatic herb used in many Ligurian recipes. In the olive groves in front of the sea, a kind of extremely valuable olives, lavagnina cultiva is picked, the olive oil obtained from pressing these olives, is light, tasty and the aroma enhances and marks all the recipes. Pesto, walnut sauce, pine nut sauce, "u toccu" (meat sauce obtained from ta single piece of

beef with vegetables and tomatoes, cooked slowly) are traditional dressings for simple or stuffed handmade pasta: trenette, pansoti (filled with chard and cheese), ravioli (with mixed meat and vegetable filling), the typical corzetti (flour, yolk and white wine). Meat dishes are not many but the few we have are very tasty: ligurian rabbit (cooked in a pan with olives), stuffed cima (a meat pocket stuffed with vegetables, eggs, parmesan cheese, marjoram, boiled or baked), asado, a typical argentinian dish brought in Tigullio by the emigrants who returned from the "Merica"; this specialty is often offered in summer festivals together with "testaieu", a bread dough baked in terracotta plates. A typical street food is the Genoese focaccia enriched with onions, sage or olives, and the traditional farinata cooked in wood burning ovens combined with a glass of local Vermentino wine.

PLACES OF INTEREST Basilica di S. Stefano (1): austere, imposing, unique in its kind, the splendid Basilica of Santo Stefano, rises above Piazza Marconi, which was extended with the demolition of adjacent buildings, creating a stunning, scenic effect. This is an ancient place of worship, perhaps dating back to the 10th century, it was rebuilt in 1650, designed by the architect Ghiso: there is a beautiful marble staircase which replaced, in 1800, the one made with slate. The interior has three naves and the altars are covered with precious marbles; you can admire a Crucifixion, San Nicola da Bari and the Mysteries of the Rosary, painted by Domenico Piola, and a splendid statue of Santo Stefano del Bocciardo on the main altar. It also houses an important monumental organ. Monumental Cemetery (2): is located on the hill behind the Basilica of Santo Stefano, it is considered one of the most important cemeteries in the province for the beauty of its graves, statues and chapels in two large areas of interest of the cemetery, made by master sculptor such as Borelli, Brizzolara, Ersanilli, lately the works by Francesco Dallorso have been added. Oratorio della SS. TrinitĂ (3): a very ancient building situated next to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Carmine, and managed by the Confraternity of the Flagellants, established in 1406. The main door is on the public road and maintains the ancient 15th century slate portal which represents the Trinity and the Flagellants in prayer. The interior has just one nave, with typical slate and marble floors; there are wooden benches dating back to 1768, that are used as seats for the confreres and the faithful. Inside the church there is a fine wooden work of art, carved by Maragliano, representing the S.S. Trinity, it has been recently restored. Among the paintings on the walls there is a beautiful Santa Rosalia, a Trinity with San Sebastiano at their feet and the depiction of the church of S. Stefano with the ancient Fieschi castle. The Oratory houses some beautiful "Cristi", protagonists of the great summer processions, exquisitely crafted works, some of which by Maragliano and his school.

Santuario di Nostra Signora del Carmine (4): a church of the seventeenth-century, built by the Carmelites friars on an ancient oratory dedicated to Santa Lucia, it was abandoned in 1799 due to Napoleonic events. Once the friars moved, the building returned to religious services only several years later. Very central, characterized by a simple, spaciuos facade, with only three windows and an interior with a single nave, inside there are paintings by Fiasella, Pianello and Orazio De Ferrari, as well as very old processional crucifixes. The former adjoining convent was restored, and currently houses the civic library while the one that was once the cloister, is now Piazza Ravenna. In July the town celebrates its patron saint Madonna del Carmine, with a procession to remember the perpetual vow made by the community of Lavagna on 16 October 1835, as the town was not infected by cholera.

Casa Carbone (5): a magnificent example of a "fin de siĂ¨cle" style building. The house was a gift made by Emanuele and Siria Carbone who, driven by the desire to tell how middle-class families of that time lived, they decided to entrust the building of via Riboli to FAI. Casa Carbone houses the domestic atmosphere of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, rich in art objects, ceramics and furniture, as well as important seventeenth-century paintings. The building is on three floors, with a garden: on the ground floor an exhibition space, while the main floor is home to the house museum, with typical examples of how the families lived on the coast, there are also peculiar hand-carved wooden puppets. The small and cozy garden is unexpectedly quiet and beautiful. Torre del Borgo o Torre Ravenna (6): is located in the historic centre of the town, the courtyard is characterized by flower beds and risseau flooring (the typical Ligurian cobblesto-

nes), the tower was in 16th century a lookout point. This jewel has been renovated and is now the premises of a museum, it houses slate works made by the local sculptor Dallorso, and an archaeological collection donated to the Municipality by the teacher Rodolfo Alloisio; there are archaeological finds of various origins: fragments of Tuscan ceramics and Ligurian majolica, oil-lamp from the Hellenistic age and numerous Punic ceramics. In this collection there is also a jar with a quatrefoil mouth, of the Neolithic era. Porta di Ponente (7): leads towards Madonna del Ponte and is the only door left as Porta di Levante was demolished in the early twentieth century. Close to a small square once called "Piazza delle Erbe" the square of the herbs, this name was given to the square because the farmers brought vegetables and milk to sell there, now the square is named after St. Catherine Fieschi Adorno, in memory of the Genoese saint, it is also called "piazza del mondo in spalle" because of a seventeenth-century fresco on the facade on a nearby house depicting Atlas holding the world. Porto Turistico (8): is one of the biggest marinas in the Mediterranean, it can accommodate large boats over 50 metres. Well known maritime service companies, that opework all over the world, have their premises here, You can rent or sale boats and also have excellent storage and maintenance facilities. The Port is home to one of the most famous

shipyards in the world, thanks to the work of ax masters still active in this area, there are many diving centres that attract sportsmen from all over the world. Villa Grimaldi (9): was built in 1570 by Bernardo Rivarola, the main entrance faces north, in the past it had gardens and vegetable gardens that reached the shore. At the beginning of the ninenteenth century, when the French built the Imperial Route, the facade facing the sea became the main one. The building changed hands many times then in 1823, it was enlarged adding two extra floors to the east and west, by Domeni-

co Carrega after the villa was sold several times until it was purchased, at the beginning of the twentieth century, by Angelo Bianchi, one of the first owners of the Entella Cotton Mill. It is currently the local headquarters of the Merchant Marine Academy. Santuario N.S. del Ponte e Ponte della Maddalena (10): of historical importance is its reference to the ancient Ponte della Maddalena, rebuilt in stone in 1210, it replaced the former wooden bridge called "ponte de'mari". The Fieschi built a chapel at the beginning of the bridge (to the east) and placed an image of

schi. The annual festival takes place on the first Sunday after September 8th and is very scenic. Chiesa di S. Giulia di Centaura (11): the construction of the first chapel of Santa Giulia probably dates back to the year 760: it was perhaps a country chapel, it was mentioned in a document of 1031, maybe linked to the monastery of Santa Giulia of Brescia as a monastic cell. The cult for the saint was not only treferred to the chapel, but to the whole parish. The present church was built in 1654 in baroque style, it has a single nave, decorated with splendid marbles. The altarpiece of the main altar, placed within a rich marble frame represents Santa Giulia on a throne. The author, is probably the Emilian Fontana, who was apparently inspired by Raphael's painting of Saint Cecilia. The fresco on the facade deserves special attention, it was made in 1936. The church is 250 metres above the sea level, in the middle of a large square shaded by a centuries-old holm oak, from the square you can enjoy a magnificent panorama. Oratorio di S. Croce (12): is situated inside the cemetery of Santa Giulia, it was mentioned in an old document written by a solicitor called Lanfranco in 1182; the building belonged to the Confraternita dei Disciplinanti. It has a precious portrait dated 1500. the year of birth of the Confraternita, it represents the Holy Face surrounded by Sant'Antonio Abate, San Giacomo and San Giovanni Battista.

the Madonna to protect those who crossed it. In 1492 Lorenzo Fasolo a painter from Pavia, painted a delicate fresco on the facade, it represents Madonna della Misericordia. The interior of the church has three naves, richly decorated:, we can admire a crucifix by Maragliano, and another crucifix by the Tuscan school of the sixteenth century, a fresco by Fasolo (" the slaughter of the innocents"). On the main altar we can find the most important and precious painting of the church "Madonna del Ponte", a wooden panel, which underwent a long renovation. It is probably an early work by the Sienese Piero Lorenzetti, brought to Liguria by Cardinal Luca Fie-

CHIESA DI S. Eufemiano (13): part of the properties of the Fieschi family in 1301 were Badalai (Barassi) and Cerreto, where there was a chapel dedicated to Sant'Eufemiano and San Pietro, used as parish. In 1438 with a seal issued by Innocent VIII, the church became property of the Olivetan Fathers of Quarto, as their parish, but they never lived in it and was managed by priests. Celebrations still take place at the chapel however it is no longer a parish, since the church of San Pietro in Barassi was built. Inside the chapel we can still appreciate the ancient architecture and its cult dates back to before the year 1000; the church of Sant'Eufemiano in Graveglia, built by the Benedictines, is dedicated to the same saint.

Beaches & outdoor activities

400 metres beaches, that stretch from the centre of Lavagna, right in front of the square of the Municipality up to Cavi Borgo and the cliffs Rocche di Sant'Anna, a natural border with the nearby Sestri Levante. Along the coast there are more than 20 beach resorts, well equipped with all facilities and free beaches. Tourists can find all they need for a relaxing holiday: iacuzzi, a gym on the terrace, swimming pool for adults and children, water games, water scooters, canoes, pedal boats and much more. Almost all beach resorts provide some private parking plus access and services for people with disabilities. Furthermore each year the Municipality of Lavagna equips the free beach with all facilites, the promenade can be easily reached from the town centre. The beaches can be reached by train thanks to the two stations of Lavagna and Cavi, located on the coast, with access from the underpasses, both beaches are equipped with elevator. Some beaches can be reached by bike, cycling along the promenade or through the underpasses. Most of the shores become evocative and romantic locations for restaurants, which allow to have lunch or dinner looking at the sea and listening to the sound of the waves, or offer aperitifs at sunset directly on the beach. For our four-legged friends Bau Beach is available, it is not far from the town centre an, it can be easily reached from the train station or by bus. A holiday in Lavagna is an opportunity to practice outdoor experiences as there are tennis and basketball courts inside Parco Tigullio, or you can play soccer in the town centre, snorkelling and diving with one of the many diving centres situated at the port, sailing or hiring a motor boat to go fishing, or why not try an exciting experience such as paragliding from Monte Rocchette. Hikers will be able to enjoy the paths throu-

ghout the year, especially from autumn to spring when the mild climate of the Riviera allows you to appreciate the stunning landscapes. On foot, by mountain bike and sometimes on horseback, there are dozens of trails that offer wonderful views, evidence of rural life, plus surprising fauna and flora.

Why spend a holiday in Lavagna?

he reasons to come here on holiday are so many, some have to do with its strategic position, the unique features of the landscape, or the historical, natural and enogastronomic identity of this town. But let's start from the beginning: Lavagna is the heart of the Eastern Ligurian Riviera, it is situated halfway between La Spezia and Genoa, not far from Portofino, Le 5 Terre, Santa Margherita and Sestri Levante, Val Graveglia, Valle Sturla and Val D’Aveto. For those who are curious to discover the unique beauty and treasures of the Ligurian landscape, will find out that Lavagna is an ideal location, for people of all ages. There are ferries that can take you to Portofino or San Fruttuoso, or you may take a train to the Cinque Terre

and wander along its alleyways (caruggi) that link the old port to the main streets in Genoa.Thanks to its mild climate it is possible to relax in Lavagna at least for six moths a year, on its long beaches or on the terraces overlooking the sea, for a romantic aperitif at sunset or delicious dinners tasting daily catch. For those who want to explore the nearby coasts, overlooking the sea, it is possible to rent a canoe or a boat, diving and swimming in a quiet place (sometimes with the company of dolphins). For a wellness holiday, you can try enchanting excursions in the mountains situated just behind the town, you can reach the village of Santa Giulia in an hour's walk, admiring breathtaking panoramic views, or in three hours you can get to Mount San Giacomo, a destination loved by those who practice paragliding, it takes a little more if you want to reach Capenardo mountain, where in one of the many agriturisms you can taste the typical products, real quality food. The long promenade is an excellent gathering place for all people, joggers or children that can play all year round, with their parents that keep an eye on them and at the same time enjoy a yummy breakfast with focaccia or an aperitif in one of the kiosks. Five important religious celebrations take place in the summer, they are really loved by the inhabitants of Lavagna, who carry huge and precious Cristi along the streets. At the local food festivals you can taste traditional dishes, while at the following events you will find excellent food and music Musica e gusto, Medioevo con gusto, Borgointavola” e “Assaggiacavi” , where shop owners offer typical local dishes, music and exhibitions. “Torta dei Fieschi” is a well known, unique and extraordinary cake (every August 14th).

SPORTS & LEISURE

avagna is ideal for people who seek not only relaxation and well-being, but want to practice sports suitable for the mild climate of our coast. Tigullio park is situated behind the sea promenade, 5 minutes walk from the town centre, there are tennis courts surrounded by pine trees, a swimming pool with different pools for good swimmers, children, as well as for fitness lovers, courses take place also during the summer in the outdoor pool, basketball courts and games for the little ones in fields. The port is home to several companies that offer diving and sailing courses, while our hills are perfect places for trekking and short excursions, you can reach Sestri Levante, Chiavari, San Salvatore, the peaks of Capenardo and San Giacomo, or the splendid Santa Giulia with its breathtaking views, for the bravest it is worth trying paragliding. Car lovers can drive the whole flat ring of Via dell'Ardesia, 55 km long, or reach Lavagna in just an hour starting from San Salvatore di Cogorno, remembering the women called camalle, who carried slate slabs, (60 kg or more), on their heads, from the quarries down to the sea. For canoe lovers, there is the possibility of renting a canoe in the nearby Chiavari and explore the coast towards Zoagli, or Sestri Levante and Riva Trigoso for an unforgettable experience. Finally, for those who want to keep fit, walking or running along the promenade or the river there are interesting experiences to perform surrounded by enchanting nature.

LA TORTA DEI FIESCHI

ncient silks, weapons, horses, torches, drums, flags and a giant cake (over ten tons), that dominates the main square of the town. Every year on August 14th Lavagna goes back in time and remembers an ancient event of the Middle Ages linked to the powerful Fieschi family. Since 1949 this event has attracted spectators and also protagonists: Torta dei Fieschi recalls the wedding of 1230 between Opizzo Fiesco, leader and feudal lord, and the Sienese Bianca de' Bianchi, heir of an important family of bankers. It was a wedding organized for political reasons, a common habit at the time, but also a love story as I like to remember it, and an event to pass on to the 'sons of the people and of his lands' proclaims the herald. Thanks to the historical group of the Sestieri di Lavagna, a rich parade with ladies courtiers, knights, maids and armed men but also noble guests from the neighbouring lands. The parade starts from the basilica where the wedding was celebrated, then the procession winds through the streets of the village and reaches the square where, under the huge cake, a civil ceremony takes place: then the wedding cake is cut, fights are held,as well as flag and playground games, music and dances in honour of the couple, liven up the atmosphere. The cake attracts the attention of the public, the game consists in finding a soul mate among the thousands of spectators in the square, trying to get a slice of the cake. The cake must be tasted with a partner, here lies the secret and success of this multi-decennial celebration - strictly in pairs, after having exchanged a kiss. On the evening of August 13th, the eve of the wedding, a ride through the streets of the city, the Count's herald announces the wedding to the town of Lavagna, he celebrates the wedding of his lord friend, and then joins him in San Salvatore di Cogorno where preparations for the feast "Addio do Fantin", start. Opizzo's bachelor party last till late afternoon. The feast and the show continue until night, in the manic setting of the churchyard lit by the torches, of the 13th century basilica of the Fieschi.

The surroundings

avagna is situated in the centre of the Gulf of Tigullio, from here it is easy to reach in no time, the nearby beautiful towns and their enchanting historic centres. Sestri Levante is just at 10 minutes distance by train, this place is one of the most picturesque towns in Liguria, don't forget to pay a visit to the Bay of Silence for a swim. At only fifteen minutes by train going west are Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, you need twenty minutes to treach the seaside village of Camogli, with its tuna fishing nets and the charming Abbey of San Fruttuoso, reachable from Camogli on foot or by boat. To the east the beautiful Moneglia and, a little further on, the villages of Framura and Bonassola as well as the well known Cinque Terre set between one inlet and another. If you want to go shopping, why not pay a visit on foot to the nearby Chiavari, its historic centre has charming porticos, alleyways, many nice shops, historic cafes and typical restaurants for all tastes. For golf lovers there is Club di Rapallo offers one of the best and evocative places in Italy, other sports can be practiced inland. At just an hour's drive, the landscape changes and we reach the height of 1000 metres above sea level: Santo Stefano d'Aveto is an option for mountain lovers both in summer,

for countless excursions, and in winter for snowshoeing and some skiing. The Aveto Regional Natural Park, and the inland valleys, offer kilometres of trails that can be crossed on foot, by bicycle and even on horseback. In the nearby Val Graveglia it is worth visiting the mines Gambatesa, and the prehistoric mine Masso (Castiglione Chiavarese), along the road that leads to the organic valley of Varese Ligure, in Val di Vara, awarded in 2004 by the European Community, as the best Italian rural community. For cultural lovers, Genoa offers the biggest medieval historical centre in Europe, its spectacular alleyways open towards small squares and enchanting churches. The combination of scents, tastes and colours of this multi-ethnic city is well mixed with the rich noble building of Palazzi dei Rolli, Unesco heritage, and make Genoa an open-air museum.

THE UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN THE "LEVANTE LIGURE" • FIERA DI SANT'ANTONIO a Chiavari • FIERA DI SAN SEBASTIANO a Rapallo • PORTOFINO RUN • FIERA DELL'AGRICOLTURA a Lavagna • SAGRA DELLE FOCACCETTE a Megli • MOSTRA DEL TIGULLIO a Chiavari • SLOW FISH Porto Antico a Genova • SAGRA DEL PESCE a Camogli • MARCIA DEI 5 CAMPANILI a Zoagli • CHIAVARI IN FIORE • FESTIVAL DELLA PAROLA a Chiavari • LAVAGNA IN FESTA • FESTIVAL ANDERSEN a Sestri Levante • MUSICA E GUSTO a Lavagna • FESTA DELL'AGRICOLTURA a Lavagna • FESTA PATRONALE N.S. DI MONTALLEGRO, SPETTACOLO PIROTECNICO a Rapallo • SAGRA DEL BAGNUN a Sestri Levante, loc. Riva Trigoso • BARCAROLATA a Sestri Levante • SAGRA DELLA FOCACCIA CON LA SALVIA loc. S. Giulia • FESTA DELLA STELLA MARIS a Camogli • MEDIOEVO CON GUSTO a Lavagna • BORGO IN TAVOLA a Cavi Borgo • ASSAGGIACAVI a Cavi Arenelle • JAZZ AND WINE a Cavi Borgo • ADDIO DO FANTIN a Cogorno • TORTA DEI FIESCHI a Lavagna • QUATTRO PALANCHE a Lavagna • FESTIVAL DELLA COMUNICAZIONE a Camogli • SAGRA DEL FUOCO, SPETTACOLO PIROTECNICO a Recco • SALONE NAUTICO a Genova • ANDERSEN RUN a Sestri Levante • FESTIVAL DELLA SCIENZA a Genova • TRANSUMANZA DELLE MUCCHE a Santo Stefano d'Aveto • PRESEPE DEL BRUNZIN a Lavagna, Torre del Borgo • PRESEPE LUMINOSO DI MANAROLA a Cinque Terre

ACCOMODATION HOTEL Hotel Alba  Tel. 0185 392585 Via Matteotti, 36 www.hotelalbalavagna.com hotelalba.lav@gmail.com Hotel Ancora Riviera  Tel. 0185 308580 Via dei Devoto, 81 www.hotelancorariviera.com info@hotelancorariviera.com Hotel Arco Del Sole Tel. 0185 390036 Via Aurelia n, 1992D www.albergoarcodelsole.com albergo.arcodelsole@gmail.com Blu Hotel  Tel. 0185 044784 Via dei Devoto, 149 www.bluhotellavagna.it info@bluhotellavagna.it Hotel Bristol  Tel. 0185 395600 Fax. 0185 39 22 77 Via Mazzini, 23 www.hotelbristollavagna.com info@hotelbristollavagna.com Hotel Doria  Tel./Fax 0185 390191 Via Torrente Barassi, 3 www.doriahotelcavi.com info@doriahotel.com Hotel Mediterraneo  Tel. 0185 390048 Via Varese, 20 www.hotelmed.eu info@hotelmed.eu Hotel Miramare  Tel. 0185 395788 Piazza V. Veneto, 20 www.hotelmiramarelavagna.it info@hotelmiramarelavagna.it Hotel Real Park  Tel. 0185 395400 Fax. 0185 390131 Via Aurelia, 2242 www.hotelrealpark.com info@hotelrealpark.com

Hotel Sud Est  Tel. 0185 308728 Via Previati, 200 www.hotelsudest.it info@hotelsudest.it Hotel Tigullio  Tel. 0185 392965 Fax. 0185 390277 Via Matteotti, 1 www.hoteltigullio.com info@hoteltigullio.com Hotel Tirreno  Tel. 0185 390411 Fax. 0185 21 51 94 Via Como, 41 www.hoteltirrenocavi.it hotel-tirreno@libero.it Hotel Valentino  Tel./Fax. 0185 390121 Via Aurelia, 793 www.hotel-valentino.it info@albergovalentino.it Hotel Villa Fieschi Tel. 0185 304400 Fax. 0185 31 38 09 Via Rezza, 12 www.hotelvillafieschi.it info@hotelvillafieschi.it Hotel A casa di Ale  Tel. 0185 47 21 31 Via Como, 2 @AcasadiAle2018 lamasha@outlook.it Gian Paul Hotel  Tel. 0185 177 2819 Cell. 349 86 33 823 Via Tigula, 63 www.gianpaulhotel.com info@gianpaulhotel.com Hotel La Scogliera  Tel. 0185 390072 Via del Cigno, 4 www.hotelscoglieradicavi.it info@hotelscoglieradicavi.it Hotel Stella Di Mare  Tel. 0185 304462 Via dei Devoto, 181 www.albergostelladimare.com albergostelladimare@virgilio.it

SERVIZIO MARITTIMO DE Hotel Pineta del Borgo  Tel. 0185 39 55 41 Cell. 375 56 69 016 Via della Pineta, 10 www.pinetadelborgo.com pinetadelborgo@gmail.com Hotel Lavagnese  Tel. 0185 393323 Via Nuova Italia, 125 www.lavagnesehotel.com info@lavagnesehotel.com Hotel Cavi  Tel. 0185 39 00 74 Via Como, 31 mara.gotelli@gmail.com VILLA RIVIERA BOUTIQUE HOTEL Cell. 333 39 49 791 Via Costa, 18 www.villarivierasuites.com info@villa-riviera.it

hotel Tourist residences Residenza Turistico Alberghiera Entella  Tel. 0185 307061 C.Buenos Aires, 15 www.albergoentella.it info@albergoentella.it

rooms BED AND BREAKFASt A 2 Passi Dal Mar Cell. 380 53 09 432 Cell. 380 35 50 697 Salita S. Erasmo, 5/2 www.bba2passidalmar.it a2passidalmar@gmail.com Chicca Tel. 0185 39 00 45 (Ufficio) Tel. 0185 39 91 82 (Casa) Cell. 347 78 46 177 Via Como, 3 www.dachicca.com info@dachicca.com

EL TIGULLIO

www.traghettiportofino.it · Tel. +39 0185 284670 · infotraghetti@traghettiportofino.it

Da Maria Lia Cell. 339 41 39 256 Via Mazzini, 14/6 www.bedandbreakfastmarialia. magix.net/website/ bnbmarialia@hotmail.it Ornella Tel. 0185 18 98 142 Via Lombardia, 100 mb7689@gmail.com

ROOMS FOR RENT Oltremare  Cell. 334 98 03 554 Via Crocetta, 22/B www.oltremare-guesthouse.it info@oltremare-guesthouse.it Le Bouganville  Cell. 320 36 76 770 Via Spinola Grimaldi, 30 lebouganvillelavagna@gmail.com You And Me  Cell. 349 81 50 518 Via dei Devoto, 66 governariyam@gmail.com

FARMHOUSES Azienda Agricola Orseggi Tel. 0185 39 20 09 Cell. 334 34 42 990 Via Caccini, 4 www.orseggi.it info@orseggi.it orseggi@libero.it Bilaia Cell. 389 34 30 779 Via Privata S. Rocco, 11A www.labilaia.it info@labilaia.com Olivenere Cell. 331 84 76 109 Via Costa, 21 www.olivenereagriturismo.it olivenereagrivilla@gmail.com Villa Rosa Cell. 320 60 73 119 Via Madonna della Neve, 3 agrivillarosalavagna@libero.it

CAMP-SITES Lo Scoglio Tel. 0185 39 57 38 Cell 334 99 14 579 Via Tedisio, 95 www.parcovacanzeloscoglio.it e-mail: parcovacanzeloscoglio@ gmail.com  Ripamare Tel. 0185 39 11 26 Loc. Ripamare - Via Tedisio ripa.mare@libero.it

For your stay in Lavagna in a HOLIDAY APARTMENT or in a FURNISHED HOLIDAY APARTMENT info C/O I.A.T. LAVAGNA Tel. +39 0185 367272 turismolavagna.it

BEACH RESORTS 1. Bagni Riviera Chez Vous Piazza Milano, 2 Tel. 0185 325415 Cel. 347 7718105 2. Bagni Marini Lungomare Labonia, 14 Tel. 0185 472903 Cell. 333 3435150

8. Bagni Nini Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 390286 9. Bagni Aldebaran Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 393740 10. Bagni Astoria Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 393697 11. Bagni Milano Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 390133 Cell. 328 1550345 12. Bagni Stella Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 390103 Cell. 338 9339352 13. Bagni Centro Sport Nautici Via Aurelia, 2188 Tel. 0185 390340 14. Bagni Aurelia Via Lombardia Tel. 0185 390132 15. Bagni Enrica Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 395340 16. Bagni Lido Delle Sirene Via Lombardia, 59 Tel. 0185 390148 Cell. 335 8381098

3. Bagni Lido Lavagna Lungomare Labonia Cell. 340 393 6535

17. Bagni Marinella Via Lombardia, 17 Tel. 0185 390603 Cell. 366 7888023

4. Bagni Ziki Paki Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 390285

18. Bagni Mignon Piazza N. Sauro, Cavi Borgo Tel. 0185 393811

5. Bagni Tiffany Via Aurelia Tel. 0185 177 1157 6. Bagni Serenella Via Aurelia Cell. 334 503 7344 7. Bagni Sol Levante Via Aurelia, 33 Tel. 0185 39 00 24 Cell. 370 37 35 519

19. Bagni Annamaria Piazza N. Sauro, Cavi Borgo Tel. 0185 390014 20. Bagni Giovanni Via Alla Spiaggia, Cavi Borgo Tel. 0185 393817 21. Bagni Cigno Via del Cigno, 1, Cavi Borgo Tel. 0185 395340

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