Chiavari is a smart and peaceful little town located in the heart of the Tigullio area. Its historical centre is characterized by very old arcades and aristocratic palaces among which stand out the so called “Palazzo dei Portici Neri “ ( = Black Arcades Palace) in Fenice Square, the beautiful Court building (XIX cent.) with the attached Torre della Cittadella (Citadel Tower) built in the XVI cent., and the Castle dating back to 1147. Among the many churches some stand out on account of their location and beauty: the church of our Lady of the Graces standing half way up the hill overlooking the town with an enchanting view of the gulf, and the Cattedrale dell’Orto (the Cathedral in the Fields), that has been declared a national Monument. For the shopping lovers the arcades in the historical centre house endless businesses that can Meet all needs. Botanists and nature lovers are recommended to visit Villa Rocca Park, that has recently been restructured with the addition of the botanical gardens, that are in harmony with the various types of plants that embellish Piazza Roma and the waterfront. The latter is a nice promenade with a fine paving that reproduces the deck of a ship, a nice frame of the sea that lures lovers of suntan and water sports..