Varazze has an ancient heart, linked to its shipbuilding activity. Founded by the Romans as Ad Navalia, which in medieval times became Varagine “place where ships are launched,” it has transformed in recent years into a renowned seaside resort with long sandy beaches.
We invite you to discover it with our guided tours that will allow you to discover the most characteristic corners of the city.
Its history can be read in the medieval ramparts, the remains of the early Romanesque church, as well as in the church of St. Ambrose, with the bell tower called Campanin Russu and the characteristic churchyard a risseu.
A city of saints and sailors, Varazze has been the birthplace of important figures, such as Jacopo da Varagine and Lanzarotto Malocello, who have made their mark on international history. While the sailor Lanzarotto Malocello is best known for discovering the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands archipelago. The blessed Jacopo da Varagine, archbishop of Genoa, is known for his Legenda Aurea, a collection of hagiographic biographies that inspired generations of artists such as Giotto and Piero della Francesca.
His remains are preserved in the church of San Domenico and among the many pilgrims, who came to Varazze to honor him, also went on October 3, 1376 to Saint Catherine of Siena. The Saint's connection with the town has been handed down for several centuries, ever since the people of Varazze invoked her to ward off the plague. From that time she was named patron saint of Varazze, and every year a solemn procession transports participants on a journey through time, paying homage to the figure of the saint.
The procession is organized by the various confraternities based in the Oratories in the city, custodians of a historical and artistic heritage that they continue to pass on to today's visitors.
These include the oratory of St. Joseph and the Holy Trinity and the oratory of St. Bartholomew that They house splendid works by Anton Maria Maragliano.
The guided tour of Varazze you can fit within the following routes:
- guided tour of Savona
- guided tour of Celle
- itinerary of art and devotion in the oratories of Liguria
It can also be combined with the following treks:
- trekking: the Sanctuary of Castagnabuona and the hamlets of Celle
- trekking: the Desert Sanctuary
