Santa Margherita Ligure
20 km from Cavi, reachable via Highway (exit Rapallo) or via a fascinating panoramic trait of via Aurelia, there is Santa Margherita Ligure. Similarly fashionable but chillier than Portofino, the city's vitality is concentrated around an astounding port surrounded by palm trees, with a splendid seaside path that will let you experience the beauty of the coast and live the seafaring air of the city. The inner streets and the characteristic “caruggi” roads offer a lot of “à la mode” shops, great restaurants and beautiful lounge bars ideal for a pleasant evening. Furthermore, there are several very interesting locations to check out...
WHAT TO SEE IN “SANTA”
Villa Durazzo:
This prestigious palace was built in 1678 as the summer residence of the Durazzo family. Sold to Centurione Princes in 1821, the building faced several modifications and the romanic park was enriched with exotic plants and Neoclassical marble statues. In 1919 the property passed to Commendator Chierichetti, who expanded the ancient park, also establishing the beautiful “Risseu” (the typical ligurian cobblestone paths). Due to the importance of its plants and its arboreal species, in june 1998 the Villa's garden, a typical example of an italian style garden, was twinned with the world famous botanical gardens Hambury of Ventimiglia. Inside the structure one can admire works dating back to '700-'800's genoese style (Piola, De Ferrari, Borzone, Vaymer), Trompe-l'oeil frescos, ancient pieces of furniture, Murano glass chandeliers, majolica and genoese grit floors.
San Giacomo Church:
Its last reconstruction dates back to year 1600, where it was expanded and its orientation moved. In the '800 the final enrichment occured, with polychromatic marbled statues and frescos by Nicolò Barabino. The ninetheenth century buildings emerging along the scenographic stairway leading to the church, are decorated with peculiar architectonic designs.
Santa Margherita Basilica:
The Santa Margherita Basilica was reconstructed starting from 1657 following a decision from cardinal Stefano Durazzo, and designed by Giovanni Battista Ghisio, one of the best interpreters of ligurian Baroque. The building features a grand 3-nave structure, enrichened by marbles, paintings and stuccos.
Cervara Abbey:
Figuratively protected between a thick and rich mediterranean bush vegetation, just over the street neighbouring the enchanting “Golfo dei Delfini” (Dolphins' Gulf) located betwen Santa and Portofino, is Cervara Abbey. Holm oaks, Aleppo pines, tree heahters, strawberry bushes, cistus flowers... This extraordinary vegetation, typical to Portofino Mountain, and the terracing cultivated with olive trees, set the scenery where the Cervara church, monastery and garden are. The origin of the structure dates all the way back to 1361, when the first stone was put down for the building of a new monastery dedicated to San Girolamo. Builders and first inhabitants were benedectine monks, who, during the following centuries, have been responsible for the position of huge prestige it reached in Europe.
Today La Cervara is a place where cultural goods and activities spread, collaborating with several national and international organizations.
REACHING SANTA MARGHERITA
BY CAR: It's simple, one can comfortably take Highway A12 towards Genova, exit in Rapallo (10 minutes far from the entrance). From here one can simply follow indications to Santa Margherita Ligure.
BY TRAIN: From Cavi Borgo Railway Station (600 mt far from the Hotel) there are trains that will bring you to Santa Margherita Ligure in just 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the station doesn't have a ticket shop: tickets can therefore be bought on the train. More infos at www.trenitalia.it.
