Lavagna

The amenity of Lavagna rests in the perfect match between its old district – a typical Riviera resort with elegant porticoes and delightful botteghe (slate, terracotta, oil…) – and its vast beaches, a well-equipped haven for suntan lovers, divers and sailing fans that has been awarded the international F.E.E.E. Blue Flag. The centre (13,000 inhabitants) stands along the eastern bank of the Entella (Dante Alighieri’s “fiumana bella”), which separates Lavagna from Chiavari. An easy reach by car or train, it provides a tourist information office.

Among the highlights of the centro storico the Collegiata di Santo Stefano, a 17th century reconstruction of a pre-existent church towering over the via Roma/via Dante crossing, and Casa Carbone, featuring in the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) heritage list: do not miss a visit of this 189th century palazzo, complete with frescoed façade, garden and lavish interior – a 150 square metres dwelling rich in bourgeois atmospheres.

The history of Lavagna bears the traces of the long Fieschi domination, interrupted by the Doria triumph of 1547. The local household provided two Popes to the Vatican, and a more epicurean tradition to Ligurian folklore, the so-called “Torta dei Fieschi”. Established in 1949, this event celebrates the marriage between Count Opizzo and countess Bianca de’ Bianchi, feasted by the whole community with a monumental wedding cake.

At the end of the parade, which boasts 100 actors in period costumes, the provision of cake slices symbolizes the union between people and power. Trekkers and Mountain bikers are strongly recommended to explore the verdant entroterra of Lavagna, a pastoral setting providing plenty of excursion opportunities.

A 4-km. route reaches the hamlet of Santa Giulia (254 mts. a.s.l.), a touching belvedere on the sea immersed in the peace of olive groves. The Graveglia, Aveto and Sturla valleys offer a multitude of trails in a landscape of forests, rural churches, mountain pastures and cheese factories. The welcome task of field investigation being left up to you, get in gear for the exploration of unexpected Liguria!