Camogli is a picturesque, historic fishing village on the Ligurian Riviera, about 25 kilometers from Genoa. Known for its colorful houses and charming harbor, the town has transformed from a bustling seafaring hub into a popular destination for day trips. With its beautiful beaches and proximity to highlights like Portofino and the Cinque Terre, it serves as the perfect base for exploration.
Key attractions include the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the medieval Dragone Castle, and the Maritime Museum, which vividly brings the town's seafaring history to life. Hikers can enjoy numerous trails in the Portofino Regional Park, rewarded with breathtaking views. The scenic coastal path to Punta Chiappa is also a favorite outing.
In addition to the town's beauty, its rich history is also worth discovering. In the 19th century, Camogli was famous for its fleet of sailing ships, earning the nickname City of 1,000 White Sailing Ships. Today, the charm of the past blends with a relaxed lifestyle – making it an ideal destination for those wanting to experience Liguria away from the crowds.
Top Highlights of Camogli
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San Fruttuoso Abbey
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
Hidden in an idyllic bay of the Portofino Natural Park, you will find the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a fascinating Benedictine monastery from the 9th century, accessible only by boat or hiking trail. The complex, renovated by Adelaide of Burgundy in the 10th century, impresses with its Byzantine dome, octagonal bell tower, and two Romanesque cloisters that house the graves of the Doria family.
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Basilica Santa Maria Assunta
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
On a small rocky island in front of the harbor of Camogli stands the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, whose history dates back to the 12th century. The church, extensively renovated in the 16th and early 19th centuries, impresses with its baroque interior featuring three naves, valuable gilded decorations, and colorful marble work. Notable highlights include the frescoes by Nicolò Barabino and Francesco Semino from the late 19th century, as well as the wooden statue of the Assumption of Mary by Francesco Maria Schiaffino at the main altar. In 1988, the church was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II.
Church of San Rocco
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
The Chiesa di San Rocco in the neighborhood of the same name in Camogli has a long history that dates back to the 15th century, when a small chapel already stood here. The current church building was constructed in 1863 and serves as a Catholic parish church in the Vicarage of Recco-Uscio-Camogli.
Hike on Portofino Promontory, Saint Rocco, Portofino Vetta
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
Castle della Dragonara
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
High above the picturesque coastal town of Camogli stands the Castello della Dragonara, one of the historic fortifications in the Gulf of Genoa. Built in the 11th century, the castle originally served as a watchtower and a refuge for the villagers during pirate attacks, but it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. After a tumultuous history as a defensive structure, prison, and even aquarium, the well-preserved fortress now stands as an impressive testament to medieval military architecture. Here, you can not only dive into the history of the Ligurian coastal defense but also enjoy a spectacular view over the gulf.
Semaforo Nuovo
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
Spiaggia Libera
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
San Nicolò di Capodimonte
Camogli, Liguria, Italy
On a picturesque hiking trail from San Rocco to the coast, you reach the Chiesa di San Nicolò, a Romanesque church made of black slate from the 12th century. Built by the Regular Canons of San Rufo, this sacred building stands on the site of an older chapel and was consecrated again as a place of worship in 1870 after centuries of being repurposed.
