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 Introduction
Situated between Cinque Terre and Portofino, on the Riviera di Levante, Lavagna is a lovely coastal town. The waters of the Tigullio Gulf ebb and flow upon Lavagna's beautiful, Blue Flag award-winning sandy beach. Visitors will find a wonderful medieval village with narrow, winding streets, colorful homes, and historical mansions. The area surrounding Lavagna is filled with olive groves. Agriculture, fishing, and slate mining were once the the town's chief industries. But today, Lavagna has a reputation for being a fabulous beach resort, and relies mainly on tourism.
 Arrival
Plane
Only 40 km away, Genoa (GOA) Aeroporto Di Genova is a logical arrival point for international travelers. The airport accomodates flights from around Italy, as well as many cities throughout Europe. Ryanair runs direct flights from London Stanstead to Genoa, and Lufthansa runs three daily flights out of Munich.
Train
From Genoa, the train to Lavagna takes just one hour.
Car
40 km from Genova, Lavagna lies just off the A12/E80 motorway. Exit at Lavagna.
 History and Culture
Evidence of settlers from pre-Roman times have been discovered in Lavagna. Until the 1300s, it was an independent fief. But during this time the town fell under the rule of Chiavari, which was dominated by Genoa. Pirates attacked Lavagna in 1564. It became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Each year Lavagna holds a fabulous medieval fair called the Torta dei Fieschi. A recreation of the wedding of Opizzo Fieschi, the Conti di Lavagna, and Bianca de'Bianchi.
 Churches and Museums
Basilica di Santo Stefano
Constructed in the 17th century, this magnificent church includes a grand staircase that leads up to a patio covered in smooth stones from the region. The stones are laid out in the form of wonderful designs such as rosettes. Important works of art can be found along the churches three aisles. The altar was created by Pasquale Bocciardo, and the crucifix by Domenico Piola.
Basilica di Santa Giulia
The Basilica of St. Julia was constructed in the 17th century over the ruins of a building dating from 1031.
Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Ponte
Dating from the 13th century, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Bridge was enlarged and consecrated by Pope Innocent IV in 1492. In the 1800s it was again renovated. The nearby bridge is famous because according to legend, Dante Alighieri crossed it en route to France. The church includes a Gothic tower.
Civica Collezione Alloisio
Archaeological artifacts from the region are displayed at this museum. It's housed in the former Carmelite convent, and includes majolica from the Ligurian region, as well as pottery from Tuscany.
Museo Casa Carbone
Situated in Lavagna's historic center, this museum showcases furniture, household objects, and paintings from the 17th to the 20th century.
 Historical Buildings and Monuments
Torre del Borgo
Built in the Middle Ages to help protect the town against pirate raids, the tower is now used as an art gallery.
Torre Civica
Originally built to help defend the town, this medieval tower was restored in 2000 for the Jubilee, and now houses a museum devoted to slate, the Black Stone of Lavagna. Ceramic artifacts discovered during the renovation are on display as well.
Statue of Christopher Columbus
Created by Arnoldo Zocchi in 1930, this statue depicts the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Made of bronze, the statue stands atop a pedestal. A bronze globe is at his feet.
 Places of Interest
Leudo Ferdinando Bregante
This historic wooden yacht was once used to ship wine between the Island of Elba and Lavagna. It was built in 1921 by the Lorenzo Figallo Shipyard. Today, the Leudo Ferdinando Bregante takes passengers on day cruises of the Mediterranean.
Via della Pietra Nera
This road made of black stone links the sea with Monte San Giacomo, a mountain above town that contains a tremendous number of slate quarries.
Giardino della Torre
The tower garden is a beautiful place to spend a summer afternoon. Concerts ranging from opera to jazz occur here frequently.
 Events
Torta dei fieschi - August
A recreation of the wedding of the Conte di Lavagna, Opizzo Fieschi, and Bianca de'Bianchi is held each year at this medieval festival. Residents of the town's six historic quarters are united in a grand procession through the village, and a massive cake is divided among the ones who found the other half of their ticket.
Frontier Festival - July
Concerts of ethnic music are presented at this festival.
 Links
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