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Adding new photographs of Liguria,
the Italian Rivieras and Italy every month. |
Spotorno, Province of SAVONA.
The area was already settled in Roman times, as can be seen from the bridges in Chiappate. The seaside town achieved a certain importance at the end of the fourteenth century, when it became the headquarters of the podesta of Genoa and developed marine industry and commerce. The castle and the Correallo and Sant'Antonio watchtowers date from that period. In 1227, when the town was still in the hands of the bishops of Savona, it was completely destroyed by neighbouring Noli.
The hills are known for their vineyards (producing Buzzetto white and Vermentino wines) and for their fruit trees, especially apricots. A liqueur called "Nocino" and the local cherry liqueur are true delights. There is a lot of room for sports: sailing, diving, traditional fishing and underwater fishing; the high spots are a favourite haunt of hang-gliding enthusiasts. The sports centre, football pitches and tennis courts complete the excellent local sports facilities.
The parish church dates from the seventeenth century and preserves works by Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari, Domenico Piola and a crucifix from the Maragliano school; worth visiting are the oratories of the Annunziata (for the seventeenth-century paintings and interesting votary objects left by sailors) and of Santa Caterina.
Some of the old residences in the town and in the upper areas are worth seeing if only from the outside: Villa Albini, Villa Berlingeri, Villa Zanardi, Palazzo Berninzoni and Villa Bernarda, where Lawrence stayed; alternatively, you can follow the old Roman road or take the so-called "Dante promenade". Longer excursions can be made to the Mortou grotto, the Trevico Pass and Manie.
Note: The above is an extracts taken from the official web-site of the Regione Ligure, Agriculture and tourism department - Tourist section. |
Travel Hint: Travelling along the Italian Riviera to visit Liguria's coastal towns and cities is recommended by train - they are frequent, comfortable and generally on time. They also take you into the resort centres and give you an additional perspective and 'flavour' of Italian life. The car by contrast is not quite as practical and ideal as first appears. There are basically two roads along the Riviera, the 'autostrada' and the 'Aurelia'. Italian 'autostrada' can be fairly stressed environments and the coastal road (via Aurelia) is pretty in parts but very slow, passing through every little seaside town. Additionally, parking in most Ligurian coastal towns is not in abundance and can take much longer to find a space than ever imagined - during most of the year, not just in summer. With car-hire, petrol, motorway tolls and parking charges, the car soon becomes an expensive and less than ideal way of getting around - and more often than not, slower overall than the journey by train.
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Enjoy relaxed, independent walking
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