This post is a continuation of a trip North of Rome along the Western Coast of Italy.
Civitavecchia -3/6-7 (part 1) Carrera. 3/12. (part 5
Livorno. 3/9-10 (part 3). Camgoli 3/16. (part 7)
Lucca. 3/11-12 ( part 4). Genoa. 3/16-21. (part 8)
A day prior to our departure from Genoa, where we spent a fantastic week, an excursion along the magical Levant coast. while visiting these 2 recommended communities,(out of 4 ) outside of Genoa. center, can not be missed.
It is a short drive from Genoa's center on Cosrso Italia, to this coastal small village
Most Charming Fishing Village
Featuring pastel-colored houses with green shutters, skirt the small pebble beach and harbor, of this small ancient mariners' fishing village.
Boccadasse has preserved itself and remained unchanged, making it an attractive local tourist location.
It is inhabited by a living and active community, where still some fishermen continue doing their traditional job.and leave their boats high and dry on the little beach
However along its narrow, cobbled streets there are small cafes and bars ,restaurants, bakeries, Ice cream shop and art galleries.
Considered one of the gems of Genoa due to its rustic and unspoiled nature, this charming village lies only 20 minutes drive away from the city, at the eastern end of the main promenade of the city of Genoa, Corso Italia. The road that runs along the coastline can also lead to Boccadasse, if one prefers to take the walk which offers wonderful views around an hour .
According to an old legend, the village was founded around the year 1000 by Spaniard fishermen who, in the middle of a storm, took shelter in the bay. From the name of the captain (De Odero or Donderos), would have derived the Italian surname Dodero, still today common in the area
The more realistic story is that Boccadasse actually started out as a small group of crooked houses around the only natural inlet in the area. Here lived and worked fishermen, sailors and small traders.
This magical place is very dear to the Genoese. In fact, even if the building expansion of the surroundings has profoundly changed the appearance of this area, Boccadasse has remained intact.
Boccadasse people love sitting in the main square, in front of Saint Anthony church, and reading a newspaper. An artist hangout in the 70s. the famous Italian singers Gino Paoli, Bruno Lauzi and Fabrizio De André usually met up there.
Amedo Antica Gelateria-Ice Cream shop
Piazza Nettuno 7 in front of the seaside
A tiny boutique old-fashioned ice-cream shop which offers one of the best ice-cream we sampled , so far in Italy.
After a short exploration, "inhaling" the views, and licking this great ice-cream our drive along the coast continued.
Another 15 minutes drive, on SS 1 landed us at Nervi's beautiful Gardens
Entering Nervi
9 Km East of Genoa, this former small fishing village, which once was surrounded by groves of olives, oranges and lemons, is now a picturesque seaside town of around 11,000 inhabitants. It is best known for its beautiful remaining gardened villas, turned into museums and apartments overlooking the sea and the steep cliffs.
Its history dates back to Roman times when it was a favored destination for wealthy Romans seeking respite from the bustling city life, as it became also popular among Italian and foreign aristocrats during the 19th c. The town's serene beauty and mild climate have always attracted visitors seeking relaxation and inspiration.
Panoramic Promenade
Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, is a 2 km walkway below the gardens and along the ocean cliffs. named after Anita Garibaldi, the wife of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, who once lived in Nervi.. It connects small village of Capolungo. to Nervi,
It is one of Italy's "most panoramic beautiful promenades"
The Gardens
The Parchi di Nervi, which we came specially to enjoy, is a lush park of about 22 acres formed of the exotic gardens of 3 noble villas owners:
Gropallo, Saluzzo Serra, Grimaldi Fassio
(names of the richest Genoa Families mentioned in my Genoa post)
The gardens consist of typical Mediterranean plant species, vast green loans, and many exotic species in front of the 3 main villas, overlooking the sea.
Villa Gropallo is home to the Brocchi Library,
Villa Saluzzo Serra hosts the Galleria d'Arte Moderna - Genoa Gallery of Modern Arts
The construction of the building dates back to the 17th c and, over the centuries, belonged to the families of the Saluzzo marquises, then to the Morando, the Serra (1815) and finally the shipowner Carlo Barabino who sold it to the Municipality of Genoa in 1926 for the value of 2,200,000 lire
Villa Grimaldi Fassio hosts the private Raccolte Frugone, collection
Paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Italian and other artists from the 19th and 20th c are on display as well as a collection of items, graphics, furnishings and decorative arts related to the cultural history of Genoa and Liguria.
The property was purchased by the municipality of Genoa, is part of a series of parks and museums. The collection is housed in a 18th-c rural palace with a Rose garden next to it.. The Villa Grimaldi Fasso is the home of the Raccolte Frugone since 1993.
It was the only villa we visited inside, and the art collection and views are definitely
are worth the visit.
The Roses were not yet in bloom at the garden, but strolling on the beautiful outdoor premises and on the promenade below, on a sunshine mild temperature weather, was
most pleasurable experience
Other impressive local Villas in Town
Former Villa Luxoro, Villa Gnecco
House Museum. Now luxury Hotel
Nervi now a days is a busy and quite up-market residential area, that is almost entirely apartments, many of which are older style buildings from the 19th century that have been converted from large middle-class houses.
Porticciolo di Nervi:
The town's charming small harbor, Porticciolo di Nervi, is a lovely place to enjoy a stroll, watch fishing boats, and dine at waterfront restaurants.
The natural bay of Nervi was transformed into a marina
At its western edge is the small port, with its boats resting on the shoreline and characteristic pergolas, medieval bridge and colorful old fisherman's houses.
To be continued...