Chiavari

In addition to being a seaside resort, Chiavari has an interesting and rich historic center; the guided tour can be combined with the historic center of Genoa. Strolling under the medieval arcades, one notices elegant Art Nouveau stores with period storefronts; ancient artisan workshops make objects of rare beauty, such as macramé lace and the famous and very light “Chiavarine” chairs. Walking along the famous “Carrugio Drito” our tour guide will introduce you to monuments such as the Palace of the Black Arcades, which owes its name to the dark color of the arcades that give it a special charm. Among the most beautiful buildings are Palazzo Falcone Marana, Palazzo Torriglia, Villa Casaretto, and Palazzo Franzone, also known as Casa Garibaldi: built in the 15th century, it features three slate portals with precious bas-reliefs. Also not to be missed are the sumptuous decorations of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Garden. It was built in 1613 after a Marian apparition occurred, according to tradition to Sebastiano Descalzo. Palazzo Rocca, surrounded by a wonderful park, was built to a design by Bartolomeo Bianco in 1629-1630 for the Costaguta marquises. It was enlarged in the 18th century by the later owners of the Grimaldi family. Dominating the settlement are the ruins of the castle, reached by a climb that skirts an ancient section of the city walls. It was built in the 12th century by the Republic of Genoa to counter the Fieschi family from nearby Lavagna. La Basilica of S. Salvatore dei Fieschi, in the immediate hinterland, is a splendid example of late Romanesque architecture, built by the two popes of the Fieschi family in the mid-13th century. To create a full-day program, you can combine the excursion Portofino e San Fruttuoso di Camogli.

Guided itineraries for educational outings in Liguria.