Chiavari and Rapallo are two towns about an hour train ride east of Genova, just past the Portofino peninsula. Both have beautifully frescoed and brightly painted buildings with some stunning architecture along well organized and flat streets.

In Chiavari the main cathedral looks more like a monumental building from Washington DC than a church with it’s giant white marble pillars and intricately carved triangular roof. Inside it’s like an art gallery everywhere you look, with ornately carved angels climbing up each pillar, frescos on every last inch of ceiling space, and a grand main altar. The palace of justice looks like a medieval castle, and the buildings lining the streets and squares are particularly vibrant and colorful.

Rapallo has a lovely waterfront promenade lined by palm trees and people sunning themselves on park benches. At one end of the promenade is a castle built over the water in 1551 to defend the town from pirate attacks. Just inland from the other end of the promenade is an old Roman bridge that now traverses a street rather than a river. In the historic center of the city, the fresh pasta shops, meat and cheese stores and focacciarias will make your mouth water.

The highlight of Rapallo is the Santuario di Montallegro, a beautiful monestary of crisp white and pink marble with steeples and statues punctuating the facade, high in the hills above Rapallo. From the santuario there are coastal views all the way to Portofino. The hike up is pretty serious, beginning with a long series of stairs followed by a steep uphill hike along a stone paved trail. A much easier and quicker route up is a ride on the suspended cable car, which we chose to avoid in favor of a good workout. Bring plenty of water for the hour and a half long climb!

Last Modified : April 28th, 2007
Filed under : Italy, Trips
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