Camogli
This little town is characteristic for a row of colorful buildings which face the sea. These buildings were built one upon the other in the course of the years. So, when you go there, prepare yourself to climb lots of stairs! It is also called "The City of the Thousands Sailing Ships".
ART
In this little town there is a tiny church right on the rocks overlooking the sea: the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. According to local sources, the building dates back to the 12th century when it was built on that same rock from which now it overlooks the sea. The structure inside is an example of Baroque architecture, with precious golden stuccos and polychrome marbles.
Inside the Church, art lovers can find fine examples of Ligurian artworks.
An altarpiece with the Crucifixion with the saints Prospero and Caterina d'Alessandria by Bernardo Castello.
The marble group The Virgin of the Rosary with saints Domenico and Caterina by Francesco Maria Schiaffino.
The marble group The Baptism of Christ by Francesco Maria Ravaschio.
Another feature of this town is an ancient fortress, dating back to the early XIII century, called "Castello della Dragonara" or "Castel Dragone", which translated to English is "The Castle of the Dragon". It was meant to be a defensive tower. During the centuries, it has been destroyed a few times, until it was turned into an aquarium in the 1970s. Now the aquarium has been closed, all the fish inside were brought to the much bigger Acquarium of Genoa, and the building is just a landmark in this little town.
ACTIVITIES
Departing from Camogli there are 4 main paths. They lead to the following places:
- Portofino Vetta (The Peak of Portofino)
- Pietre Strette (Narrow Stones Path)
- San Fruttuoso
- Punta Chiappa