Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
www.turismoinliguria.it
Albenga - Savona
Port
ofin
o - G
enoa
(Phi
lip &
Kar
en S
mit
h /
Get
ty Im
ages
)
Agenzia Regionale per la Promozione Turistica “in Liguria”
Scents and flavours
History Trail
A sea of gardens
Seaside emotions
Sports itineraries
Art Settings
A short walk along the edge of time among the small historictowns of Ligurian memory.
Publishing Info
Publishing Project and All Rights reserved to Agenzia Regionale per la Promozione Turistica “in Liguria”. Images: Archive Agenzia “in Liguria”, except for page 2Apricale Saponaro Copyright, page 16/17 Chinini Francesco Copyright, page 28/29 Comune di Lerici Copyright. Graphic Project by: Adam IntegratedCommunications - Turin - Printed in 2008 - Liability Notice: notwithstanding the careful control checks Agenzia “in Liguria” is not liable for the reportedcontent and information.
www.turismoinliguria.it FFiinnaallbboorrggoo
Green expanse and sea, a wonderful landscape entwined with history and ancienttradition, stretches from the coast towards the inland territory through an itinerary whichleads back to the origins of this land. Experience Liguria, experience a journey across aterritory rich in magical views, almost a fairy tale.
As in the best fairy tales, this itinerary tells of witches and stakes, of mysterious artistsreviving old abandoned towns, tales of legends about the preparation of traditionaldishes, of little alleys where houses are so close to one another they almost seem totouch, and it also tells of enchanted lands. And then of battles between Saracens and theproud people of Liguria, through hidden paths and sandy expanses.
Riviera dei Fiori.
3SSaannrreemmoo -- HHiissttoorriicc CCeennttrree ““LLaa PPiiggnnaa”” -- SSqquuaarree ““PPiiaazzzzaa ddeeii DDoolloorrii””
www.turismoinliguria.it AApprriiccaallee
Bussana Vecchia
Dolceacqua, an enchanting little villagestarts from the far end of the Riviera deiFiori - the perfect landscape for a journeyback in time to the very origin of ancienttraditions such as the preparation ofMichetta (traditional cake) and the ancient“jus primae noctis”, revisited in a verypopular festival, every 15th August.A hidden itinerary along the meanderingalleys of the little town leads you to thespectacular Doria Castle that overlooks thetown and the valley.Here you can have a fine glass of Rossese -DOC labelled wine, made from thevineyards of this land.
Along the Nervia Valley another little jewelis hidden in the mountains, with its belltower standing out from the houses.
Dolceacqua
Behind the city of Sanremo, sits a gem, Bussana Vecchia the artists’ village, with its uniquehistory. At the end of the 19th century a violent earthquake destroyed part of the town,forcing the inhabitants to leave their homes. For sixty years, Bussana was a ghost town.Then finally it was revived by artists who decided to open their ateliers there. It’s very niceto browse among craftsman shops and works of art. Alternatively you can live the magicalatmosphere of this little town joining some of the many events on stage all year .
4
The picturesque medieval little town ofApricale dominates the winding roadclimbing up the valley.Take a walk among its little alleys to reachthe wonderful Lucertola Castle and theTheatre Gallery, where you can admire thewonderful stage design of EmanueleLuzzati during the summer Festival E lestelle stanno a guardare (while stars arewatching).If you want to make the best of your visit,and enjoy some gastronomic specialities,the best time of the year to arrive here isthe month of September, when you canjoin in the festivities of the Festival of thePansarola, a traditional fried pastry servedwith hot zabaglione - delicious for thosewho have a sweet tooth!
Triora, little town in the Argentina Valleyhas a “noir” charm. It is also known as theWitches Town after a famous witchcrafttrial in 1587. In Triora everything, in everysingle corner, recalls witches.However, the town is not just gnomes,elves, and esoteric or supernatural events,you can also find craftsman workshopsand nice stores with plenty of traditionalspecialities on offer, a real joy for thepalate, like cheese, chocolates (Witch’s Kissand Devil’s Balls), jam, and elixirs, not tomention the famous Bread of Triora,traditionally cooked in a wood-oven on abed of chestnut leaves.
You’ll have to stop for a relaxing break inthe Spa resort of Pigna, a little treasurebuilt with a very peculiar architecturalstyle, that evokes far away myths andtraditional Ligurian stories of health andwellness. For those who love strongflavours, a stop at Badalucco is a must,better if in the middle of September, withits gastronomic festival where you cantaste the original dried cod recipe calledStoccafisso alla Badalucchese - a traditionof this little town - that you can taste at itsbest with taggiasche olives.
Mendatica
While following this gastronomic itineraryyou should stop in the little town ofMendatica, famous for the muchappreciated white cuisine closely linked tothe mountain traditions and to the ritualof transhumance. This gastronomic culturebrings the tasty malga cheese to yourtable. And among the most interestingrecipes, the Sciumette are spoonfuls ofwhipped egg whites and sugar cooked inboiling milk.
Along the journey through the CrosiaValley you will find Perinaldo. An excellentopportunity for you to explore the stars
from the famous Observatory named afterGian Domenico Cassini, an important 17thcentury astronomer who was born hereand was called by Louis XIV of France towork at the Palace of Versailles.
Pieve di Teco, the medieval little townimmersed in nature and located betweenthe two regions of Liguria and Piemonte,has the strong smell and vivid colours oflavender. Another characteristic product ofthis area is the famous Col di Nava soap -made from the fragrant flower so easilyfound along the narrow streets of theArroscia Valley villages.
Pieve di Teco
6
www.turismoinliguria.it CCeerrvvoo
If you start to miss the sea, you can visitthe town of Cervo, a pleasant breakespecially for the music enthusiasts:between July and August, you can enjoythe famous International Festival ofChamber Music.At this time the Church of the Corallinicourtyard, made of the characteristicwhite and black sea pebbles, turns into amagnificent stage for gentle melodiesperformed in the natural setting offered bythe sea and the stars.
Heading towards Taggia, this wonderfullittle town perched above the sea unveilsthe secret of the name of the most famousLigurian olives - taggiasche: according tothe legend, Benedictine Monks plantedthis cultivar in the 12th century andstarted to produce an Extra Virgin Olive Oilwith an aroma unique in its kind.
9
Riviera delle Palme means long sandy beaches and seaside fun for the whole family, butnot only... you can find an artistic hinterland with plenty of culture, ancient traditions,and tasty specialities!
Riviera delle Palme.
11
BBoorrggiioo VVeerreezzzzii
www.turismoinliguria.it NNoollii
While travelling across the region don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste a widevariety of traditional dishes: discover the sweet and savoury specialities of this side ofLiguria.If you are travelling in October, we suggest a stop at Calizzano to enjoy Funghinpiazza,the Mushroom Festival, especially dedicated to porcini. A tasty chance for all food loversto get to know the cuisine and the recipes dedicated to this precious ingredient.
Sassello
Our ideal itinerary across the jewels of theLigurian hinterland leads to the slopes ofthe Apennines among the arcades of thelittle town of Millesimo.Here in September the Truffle NationalFestival takes place, the pride of theinhabitants of the Bormida Valley.If you don’t want to miss the richtraditions of these lands, in the greenLigurian mountains, you should visit theGlass Museum in the town of Altare, whereglass masterpieces are on display, alongwith a clear explanation of the
1312
development and the uniqueness of theancient craftsman workshops.
Not far from here, the little town ofSassello is worth a gastronomic stop. Herein fact you will find the famous sweetsnamed after the town, the renownedAmaretti of Sassello. These soft almondtreats, are celebrated in the month ofSeptember in a Festival called LoveAmaretto. You can be sure you’ll love themat first bite!
15
A tour to Colletta di Castelbianco could bequite interesting. Thanks to a project ofarchitectural upgrading, each single stonehouse of this little medieval town hasbeen provided with an internetconnection. Cherry lovers will be happy to know thatdelicious cherries are used to produceinvaluable jams here. In a landscapesurrounded by white limestone rocks, thislittle town hidden in the wonderful RioPennavaira Valley is a real treasure.
Passing from the mountain heights to thedepths of the earth - Toirano is awonderful journey through prehistory,where you can discover signs of theprimitive inhabitants of these lands.Parents and children will enjoy abreathtaking tour around the famouscaves of Toirano. Stalactites andstalagmites have peculiar shapes andunique colours. Once you come back tothe sunlight you can roam around theenchanting alleys of this town, alsofamous for the Festival of Gunbi (dialectterm for oil mills) - a very good chance toaccess private wine cellars which becometaverns, offering a wide range of localproducts and eating areas where you willfind so many specialities, from michettin(fried bread), to bruschettas with greenand black olives’ paste, anchovies, brussand much more.
maquis, where you will encounter littletowns that evoke ancient fairy tales. Hereyou can also try delicious recipes thatreflect the culinary tradition of these lands.Zuccarello is the first town along the way:a true bounce-back in the Medieval Times,it is one of the extremely rare little townsleft almost intactsince their foundation; a wonderful placefull of charm, with its ruins, hidden spots,and green nature. A family day outand a nice experience for those who wishto learn and try ancient amusements, isoffered by “Toyland” in Castelvecchiodi Rocca Barbena, a festival where you canlisten to original fairy tales and play groupgames: a pleasant way to satisfy yourchildren’s curiosity in the first weekend ofJune.This little town on the mountains isdominated by its ancient stronghold, and,while walking around the alleys of itshistoric centre, you will have theopportunity to try dishes like RabbitSteccadò, a traditional Ligurian recipe, wellseasoned with local herbs.
The wonderful historic centre of Albengashows examples of open-air art: the mainsquare, Piazza S. Michele, is the heart ofthe city with the Cathedral and its belltower, considered one of the most valuablelate Gothic monuments in the region.A few steps away, the decagonal shapedBaptistery still remains intact since the 5thcentury.THIS town is unique in Liguria for thedistinctive presence of four statelymedieval towers that stand out against theskies - a very impressive view. You can roamacross the alleys looking for unexpectedbeauties, or you may browse around thecoloured craftsman workshops and thestores selling traditional products. In thefamous plain of Albenga you can discoverproduce like the trumpet courgette and theox heart beef tomatoes a tasty way to goback to nature and its authentic flavours.
Once you’ve left Albenga and its sea,heading towards other historic centres, youcan follow a circular itinerary through theflourishing nature of the Mediterranean
Colletta di Castelbianco
CCaasstteellvveecccchhiioo ddii RRooccccaa BBaarrbbeennaa
14
CCaappttiioonn ooff ppiiccttuurree oorr ppllaaccee nnaammee
www.turismoinliguria.it TTooiirraannoo16
In summer nights you can enjoy magicaltheatre performances under the starsoffered by the open air theatre of BorgioVerezzi. A nice walk from the inland viewsto the coastal landscapes will turn yourevening promenade into a pleasantcultural experience.
Finalborgo is a nice little town, enclosed inwell preserved walls with semi-circulartowers.The characteristic features of this place areits net of perpendicular roads, theRenaissance and Baroque buildings, theBasilica of San Biagio, the complex ofSanta Caterina, Fort San Giovanni and theGavone Castle. If you’d like to have a tastybreak you can stop in one of thecharacteristic restaurants in the citycentre, where you can try a pasta dish likeravioli di boragine, little hand-made pastrysquares stuffed with local greens.
For another dip into history, you can stopin the ancient Maritime Republic of Noli,surrounded by high walls that lead to theCastle. A summer festival celebrates thelegend according to which the Saracenattack to the city was avoided by theinhabitants who lit fire pyres on thebeach. As the enemy saw the flamesapparently destroying the city, they didnot even want to stop and conquer it.Food lovers should taste the deliciouscicciarelli, fried little fish, well deservedafter an enthralling itinerary and longwalks.
Travelling around the Ligurian capital city, you’ll find new places to explore. The adventurecontinues in the inland areas and along the Riviera.You can start from Genoa, where the city offers a wonderful sea spot where fishermen’stradition still lives, among boats, nets, fish and trucks: Boccadasse.A picturesque little town set among the cliffs, right in the middle of the city, where youcan take a breathtaking walk to the far end - called Capo Santa Chiara - and back, andtaste dishes prepared with the fish catch from the previous night, or maybe try thecharacteristic Genoese Focaccia.
Tigullio and Genovesato.
19
CCaammooggllii
www.turismoinliguria.it TTiigguulllliioo
An ancient tradition is revived in CampoLigure with the characteristic working offiligree. In the shops of this delicious littletown in the Genoese inland mastersskilled in the working of precious goldenand silver threads are at work. The SturaValley, famous for its pastures, offers atasty experience to the visitors, with localcheese and milk tasting: a bounce back intime, to a simpler lifestyle. And if you are
serious about experiencing the past, youcan’t miss the Tiglieto Abbey, aRomanesque building, located in a coolvalley among the sweet-smelling lindens(bot. Tilia) from which the abbey derivedits name. And for a pleasant end to yourvisit, wild berries, honey, and goat cheeseare simple but rich flavours for thepleasure of your palate.
Valle d’Aveto
21
Stone Castle of Vobbia
20
At Christmas time the wonderful live nativity of Pentema is an unmissable chance toexperience a performance in traditional costumes that captures the spirit of Christmas inthe unique setting of a medieval little town! In the nearby area, you can visit the ancientstone ruins of the Stone Castle of Vobbia , which was built along the Salt Road.
An interesting tour among sports, culture,and relaxation is what Santo Stefanod’Aveto has to offer.This is the only little town located on themountains, while being only 20 km awayfrom the seaside, A spectacularcombination of pine groves, mountainlakes, and high summits.The narrow alleys and astonishing viewsfrom the town are complimented, in thesurrounding area, by pastures and widebeechwoods that guarantee refreshingsummers and give you the opportunity topractice active sports during your holiday. And in the snowy winters, you can walkalong the many itineraries, wearingsnowshoes or cross-country skis, to seeMonviso and Monte Rosa, beyond the PoValley.
www.turismoinliguria.it22 SSaannttoo SStteeffaannoo dd’’AAvveettoo
You simply can’t miss the famous little sea town of Camogli. Here you can walk amongcoloured boats where the fishermen mend their nets, immersed in the nice smell offocaccia. This spot of Liguria is perfect for winter or summer excursions, and from hereyou can also easily reach the beautiful harbour by the Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Camogli.A real gem along the coast, and a good excuse for a pleasant fish meal after a nice boattour.To the east is the little “caruggio” of Chiavari, a street famous for its medieval colonnade,and ideal for shopping too. All year round you can take a walk in this warm climate, andmaybe stop in the elegant patisseries decorated in Liberty Style, that give the city a verycharming touch.
Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Camogli
24
Portofino
Finally, those who would like to visit one of the world famous Ligurian little townscan not miss Portofino.You can walk or drive, through beautiful Santa Margherita Ligure and Paraggi, along thewooden promenade recently built above the sea. Portofino is immersed in a dreamsetting, shopping here is a luxury. And you’ll easily meet celebrities along the streets andsee dream yachts in the background...
If you continue towards the eastern end of Liguria, in the area of Cinque Terre and Golfodei Poeti, you will find various types of little towns, immersed in vivid green spotsor reflecting off the blue sea.Brugnato and Castelnuovo Magra, are two wonderful treasures where you can visitspectacular spots. Thanks to their cultural heritage and tradition they have been listedamong the Most Beautiful Italian Little Towns.
Cinque Terreand Golfo dei Poeti.
27LLeerriiccii
www.turismoinliguria.it VVeerrnnaazzzzaa
28
On the occasion of the traditionalcelebrations of Corpus Domini, the littletown of Brugnato, goes back in time withits Corpus Domini Infiorata - a triumph ofmagnificent flower decorations that fillthe town alleys with intense fragrances.
Castelnuovo Magra is well known for itsproduction of salami, and in particular ofthe Castelnovese Ham, a real delicacyserved in the little restaurants of this area.A tourist attraction of this town is also thetraditional Procession of the Recollection,which takes place every last Saturday ofAugust, and recalls the visit of the worldfamous poet Dante Alighieri on theoccasion of the signature of the peacetreaty between the Bishops of Luni andthe Malaspina Marquises.
All nature lovers will appreciate theBotanical Garden of Montemarcello, awonderful garden showing thecharacteristic features of the Caprionepromontory and of the Mediterranean ingeneral. A cultural visit that will allow youto learn about scientific curiosities of thisvaried territory.
www.turismoinliguria.it TTeellllaarroo
The itinerary becomes “organic” when you start crossing Valle del Biologico, located in theUpper part of the Vara Valley in the direction of Varese Ligure, the so called “round littletown” due to the characteristic layout of the houses radiating off the main square. Thistown, and the entire valley, are famous as they have chosen to continue producing theirtraditional products, with an environmental friendly approach.Here you can taste organic meat and cheese, the pride of all the farmers of the valley.
Varese Ligure
PPoorrttoo VVeenneerree
On the coast, little towns like the small harbour of Porto Venere can be a specialdestination for a day trip, or the base for a long relaxing holiday, far from the city crowd -a step back to an ancient maritime life style! The crystal clear waters of Tellaro, can notbe missed!You will enjoy a tour among wonderful sandy bays hidden among the rocks and onlyaccessible from the sea. An adventure for sea lovers who will discover secluded spots inclose contact with nature.
3130
Heading towards the far eastern side of the region you will reach Lerici, with itsenchanted gulf dominated by the San Giorgio Castle. Here cultural events, festivals andconcerts are constantly offered. Behind the sea, almost in the Luni area, the city ofSarzana with its stately Stronghold of Firmafede, is a wonderful place where you canenjoy a well-deserved prize after this long journey across our Ligurian little towns. Atraditional delicacy of these places is spungata, a baked cake stuffed with jam, dried fruit,raisins and spices.
These are the last two destinations of our itinerary through history, culture, art, legends,and strong emotions. Breathtaking landscapes, where the beauty of the sea iscomplimented by the varied enchanting inland territory, with its gentle Mediterraneanmaquis hills, and its inaccessible rocks which falls sheer to the sea. Traces of historyintertwined with a fine gastronomic tradition. An enchanting itinerary in search offorgotten flavours and fantastic spots!
SSaarrzzaannaa
3332
www.turismoinliguria.it
Albenga - Savona
Port
ofin
o - G
enoa
(Phi
lip &
Kar
en S
mit
h /
Get
ty Im
ages
)
Agenzia Regionale per la Promozione Turistica “in Liguria”
Scents and flavours
History Trail
A sea of gardens
Seaside emotions
Sports itineraries
Art Settings
