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| The Province of Genoa |
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The Province of Genoa holds 67 towns distributed partly along the coastline and part on the hills in the countryside. There are about 1.000.000 inhabitants, which mean 2/3 of the entire population of Liguria. Genoa counts about 660.000 inhabitants and has a lot to discover even though it almost seems like it wants to conceal its beauties. Its historic center is the largest in Europe, hiding precious buildings and churches.
On the coast west of Genoa we find Arenzano and Cogoleto, whose together make the Genoese side of the “Riviera di Ponente” (west riviera). On the east coast, along the Ligurian sea, we find wonderful towns already famous in the past for their beauty. On the coastline known as Golfo Paradiso (paradise gulf), you will find Bogliasco, Pieve Ligure, Sori, Recco and Camogli. From Camogli it is possible to reach by boat or by foot, through a pass called Ruta, Portofino and the Golfo del Tigullio (Tigullio gulf) where the most famous towns of the Riviera are: Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna, Cavi. Following the coast towards east you find Sestri Levante and the two bays “del Silenzio” and “delle Favole” (Silence and Fairy Tales) which enhance the beauty of the area. Riva Trigoso and Moneglia are the last two towns that belong to the province of Genoa.
The countryside counts different types of valleys: Stura and Orba valley, which comprehend part of the Mount Beigua, natural park on the Genoese side, towns like Masone, Tiglieto, Rossiglione and Campoligure, this last one famous for the filigree craftsmanship. In the Polcevera valley we find the towns of Ceranesi, Campomorone, Mignanego, Serra Ricco’ and Sant’Olcese. In this area rise two important sanctuaries: Nostra Signora della Guardia and Vittoria.
Along the Scrivia valley we find the towns of Busalla, Casella, Crocefieschi, Isola del Cantone, Montoggio, Ronco Scrivia and Savignone. This valley is one of the most peaceful and it has always been the most favorite from the people coming from Genoa who would leave the c |
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m Genoa who would leave the chaos of the big city during the weekends or refresh themselves in the summer when the heat is just unbearable.
An excellent way of reaching the Scrivia valley is the traditional train of Casella, leaving from Genoa and ending in the town of Casella.
Chestnut trees forests surround the Bisagno valley and the old villages of Davagna and Calvari. The same trees were used to build ships during the period of the Maritime Republic of Genoa, transporting the trunks to town through the river Bisagno.
The Trebbia valley connects the countryside province of Genoa with the province of Piacenza. The main towns along this valley are Fascia, Fontanigorda, Gorreto, Montebruno, Propata, Rondanina, Rovegno and Torriglia. This last village is well known as a summer holiday’s resort. Near the village of Pentema, every year during Christmas time takes place a very attractive living nativity. The Fontanabuona valley is extremely interesting, famous for its slate caves mine. This same type of stone is widely used in Liguria to build roofs, blackboards, to decorate buildings and for many other uses. Through the several villages of the valley, you can discover an ideal open-air slate museum. The most important villages of this valley are Cicagna, Moconesi, Carasco and Tribogna. In this same area a remarkable monument is the basilica of S. Salvatore dei Fieschi , built in 1245 by order of Pope Innocent IV Fieschi.
The Aveto valley has the most beautiful variety of landscapes. Widely visited during the summer as well as in the winter, its most important villages are: Rezzoaglio and Santo Stefano d’ Aveto. Many areas of its territory, including the forest of Lame are protected areas from the region Liguria. Mount Maggiorasca and Penna, two of the highest mountains in Liguria offer a wide range of paths ideal for walks or horseback ridings to fully enjoy the contact with nature.
Located on the hills of Chiavari we find the Sturla valley and the towns of Mezzanego and Borzonasca. Close to this valley is Graveglia valley, where the mining industry has been very rich especially the mine of manganese. Amongst the many mines, only the one called Gambatesa is still operational and open to public. In this area the main town is Ne’. For the ones who look for tranquility and calmness in a natural environment, the perfect destinations are the lakes of Giacopiane. The last of the valleys in the province of Genoa is Petronio valley. It is one of the most rugged of Liguria. The main towns in this area are Casarza Ligure and Castiglion Chiavarese. Remarkable for historic and archeological interest is the antique road Bracco, for centuries the unique connection between Liguria and central Italy.
As you can understand from the above mentioned, the province of Genoa can offer a lot to tourists who decide to spend their holidays or just a short period of time on its territory.
Arrivederci in the province of Genoa!
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