 Introduzione
Rapallo is the second city for importance of Tigullio Gulf. The symbol of Rapallo is its old catle surrounded by the sea that once had to defend the city from pirate invasions and where now-a-days original art exhibitions are held. Early in July, the catle bursts into flame under a ring of fireworks: It is the highest point of festivity in honor of the Holy Virgin of Montallegro, whose shrine has been built on a hill bearing the same name and that can be reached by the only funicular in Ligury. From up here, there is the most breathtaking view and the walls inside the 7th Century shrine still preserve many precious “ex-voto”.
Rapallo is a pictorial town and it is one with some truly incredible Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Within the center of the town is the old medieval village, much of which dates back to the 13th century. Parts of the old city wall remain, and while it once had five gates to enter the town only one survives to today. The Porta delle Saline is a classic reminder of the city's early middle Ages past.
Among the most striking within the old buildings is the town's Civic Tower, which was first erected in 1473 and later was heightened a century a later with the addition of a clock town. This building is a classical example of the town's Baroque architecture. Used as the old Town Hall it was once used as the Hospital of Sant'Antonia but had to be abandoned in the 15th century due to flooding.
Nearby is the Church of Santo Stefano, which is the oldest building in the town, dating back to the 11th century. It was the first Christian parish in the region and today is still a functioning church. The Church of San Francesco is another magnificent sacred building. Built in 1519 it is made of white and black cobblestones using the Ligurian tradition of building, which a style that has been copied throughout Europe and North America.
Come Si Arriva By Plane
The nearest airport to the region is Pisa Galilei and Genoa C. Colombo. Both are fairly modern airports with domestic flights from all over the boot of Italy as well as numerous international flights from around Europe. The airports are medium sized yet feature numerous amenities including duty free shopping and the basics for food, beverages, books and magazines.
By Train
The trains from destinations around Italy, and shuttle service are available to the train station from the major airports as well. All the nearby coastal towns around the Gulf of Tigullio are accessed by rail, except for Portofino.
By bus
Tigullio Trasporti runs regular buses to/from Santa Margherita (every 20 minutes) and Camogli.
By Sea
Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio runs year round boats to/from Santa Margherita, Portofino and San Fruttuoso and seasonal boats to Genoa, he Cinque Terre and Porto Venere.
History and Culture
Conquered by the Lombards in 643, the village of Rapallo was included in the county of Genoa under Charlemagne. The name of the city appears for the first time in a document from 964. In 1203 the Podesta of Rapallo was created, which in 1229 became a Genoese dominion. Galleys from Rapallo took part to the famous Battle of Meloria of 1284. On September 5, 1494 it was captured by the Aragonese, but three days later 2,500 Swiss troops ousted them.
The Medieval walled city featured five gates and the oldest standing building today is the Church of Santo Stefano, which dates to the 11th century. The city was sacked and raided by pirates and the town nearly burned to the ground in 1549. As a result the coastal castle was built in 1551 and then enhanced in the 17th century with added battlements to defend against seaborne attack.
For a couple of centuries the town was a independent commune until 1229 when it became part of Genoa. It came under control of the House of Savoy and part of the Kingdom of Sardinia at the end of the 18th century, and later part of a unified Italy. And while it offered little military significance warring factions have used the town for numerous conferences and peace accords. It was used at the center of the Anglo-Franco-Italian conference during World War I in 1917, and in 1920 the Treaty of Rapallo was signed to resolve border issues between Italy and Yugoslavia. It was also the location of the Russian-German Treaty of Rapallo in 1922, which normalized relations between the two former combatants. Since then the town maintains its importance as a maritime center with shipyards and naval factories, as well as spectacular seaside resort.
Chiese e Musei
The Church of Santo Stefano, the first parish church in Rapallo, is the oldest building in town. It was built before the XI century, but the first news about it can be dated back to 1155 when a new parish church, dedicated to St. Gervasio and Protasio, was erected.
Church of San Francesco
It was built in 1519, together with the convent next door. Its parvis is very particular because it is made with white and black cobble-stones following Ligurian tradition. Inside, the church contains a notable wooden Christ by Anton Maria Maragliano, an important XVII century sculptor, whose works are to be found in many churches on the Italian Riviera. Some of them are now also in other European countries and America.
The Church of Santi Gervasio e Protasio
This building, standing in Corso Italia, was erected in the XI century and renewed in the following century. Finally, in 1606 it acquired its present structure. The bell-tower was erected in the XVIII century and the facade can be dated back to 1857. Inside, notable paintings are can be seen: there is a Miracle of St. Biagio by Domenico Fiasella and a Deposition attributed to Luca Cambiaso.
Historical buildings and monuments
A few meters from the shore, surrounded by water, is the Castle built in 1551. It was designed by Mastro Antonio Carabo to protect the town from the raids of fierce pirates, who ransacked Rapallo in 1549. Its structure was intended to suit the use of firearms, which were beginning to replace traditional weapons at that time. Originally it had two floors. On the lower floor were the dungeons; while on the upper one was a firing square.
It was built entirely in stone with walls that were over two meters thick. Its only external openings, meant for the cannons in all four directions.
At the beginning of the XVII century a new floor was added, which served as a new firing square. A tower was also built with ornamental battlements without embrasures. Shortly afterwards a small apartment was built for the Captain of Rapallo.
Villa Porticciolo and Casale Park
Villa Porticciolo and Villa Casale are two beautiful villas amid the nature of Casale Park. From the middle of the XVII century Villa Porticciolo belonged to several well-off families, until Countess Maria Casale, its last owner, gave both the building and the park to the town of Rapallo.
Villa Casale was built by the Spinolas in the XVII century. It has been owned by the town of Rapallo since 1974 and now houses the International Library and the Museo del Pizzo e del Tombolo (the Lace Museum) created to preserve several beautiful examples of local handicrafts. The most interesting pieces come from the private collection of Mario Zennaro, who donated its collection to the town of Rapallo in 1968.
Places of Interests
You must start your visit in Rapallo on the promenade, where, walking among palm and olive-trees, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the whole bay. Facing the town, you see the beautiful colored buildings housing cafes, hotels and restaurants, while on the other side is the sea, the Castle and the port.
Porch of the Oratorio delle Clarisse
On the way back to the town centre from the park, you can see the long porch of the Oratorio delle Clarisse. It was started in 1633, but it was opened only in 1691. After the nuns left it in 1902, it became the property of the town of Rapallo, which converted it into a theatre where most of the important local events take place.
Piazza Cavour
Following Corso Italia, you arrive in Piazza Cavour where Via Venezia, Via Mazzini and Via Marsala begin. This is the centre of historical Rapallo. Here was the medieval village, whose first news can be dated back to 1240. It used to be accessible through five gates, of which only one still survives: Porta delle Saline, giving onto the road to Santa Margherita.
Eventi
The most important festival at Rapallo is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who appeared at Montallegro on 2nd July 1557, where the Sanctuary, built in her honor in 1558, now stands. There are three days of solemn celebration, including religious services, pilgrimages and firework displays rendering honor to the beloved patron of Rapallo.
Ceremony of the Dissolution of the 1657 - 5th July
On the 5th July Montallegro hosts the ceremony of the dissolution of the 1657 vow made by Rapallo's Council, for having been saved from a terrible plague. The celebrations take place every year from the 1st-3rd July.
Period cars on parade - June
This is a display at the beginning of summer (in June), which sees the most beautiful period cars on parade between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. They stop off to show themselves off along the promenade and at the port of this Riviera town. Every year the show is dedicated to a particular make of a car.
Music and Wave Festival - Summer Months
The Music and Wave Festival is a successful summer event. Many artists have performed here in the past, including Mango, Fabio Concato, Fiorella Mannoia, Anna Oxa, Marina Rei and Michele Zarrillo. Every year, the best-known singers and cabaret performers of the Italian circuit take their places on the floating stage, in the beautiful setting of the Bay of Rapallo. Spectators can also watch from the numerous screen located along the walkway by the sea. All this fun takes place in July and August.
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