 Introduction
A peaceful town, nestled between two rivers; the Lerone and Arresta, Cogoleto features both sandy and pebbly beaches. Once crowned by a medieval castle, and five watch towers, Cogoleto is now a quaint fishing village with lovely historic buildings, and intriguing small museums.
Arrival Plane
Only 30 km from Genoa, most air travelers will arrive at (GOA) “Aeroporto Di Genova”, which accommodates flights from around Italy, as well as many international cities. Ryanair runs direct flights from London Stanstead to Genoa, and Lufthansa runs three daily flights out of Munich.
Train
The train from Genoa takes just over one half hour.
Car
30 km from Genova, Cogoleto lies just off the A10 motorway. Exit at Arenzano, and follow signs for Cogoleto.
History and Culture
A popular theory states that the name “Cogoleto” was derived by the combination of the Latin word for “cook”, “coquere” and “lithos” the Greek word for stone, because the construction material, lime, was once largely produced in furnaces in the town. At one point it was heavily industrial, with lime being a chief export.
Cogoleto claims to be the birth town of Christopher Columbus. Many monuments and plaques can be found around town, and the Casa di Colombo lies along the Via Rati.
In 1800 Napoleon's army invaded Cogoleto, but the Austrians defended the town. The Battle of Cogoleto raged on April 11, 1800 and resulted in the retreat of the French General Massena. Until June 24, 1800, Cogoleto was ruled by Austria. In 1805 it became part of the Departmento di Montenotte, and the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815. Finally, in 1861, Cogoleto became a part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Churches and Museums
Furniture and old tools are on display at this local museum. Take a look at furnaces from the 18th century which were used to produce the town's most popular export, lime.
Santa Maria Maggiore Church
Cogoleto's parish church was built in 1877 in the region where a medieval castle once loomed. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Santa Maria, the church was designed by Maurizio Dufour, and funded by all the townspeople. The Colombo family donated the altar, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Several paintings can be found within the church. Works of particular interest include a painting of the Assumption, and a statue of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
Oratory di San Lorenzo
It is estimated that the Oratory di San Lorenzo was built in 1200. A painting by Giovanni Battista Carlone, of San Lorenzo can be found inside the church. And outside, there is a relief of San Lorenzo, by Antonio Brilla.
Chapel of San Sebastian
Inhabitants of Cogoleto built this church themselves, in the 1500s, to thank St. Sebastian for removing the plague from their town. In 1835, cholera broke out in the region, and the church was used as a hospital. It was demolished in 1912, and completely rebuilt. Lovely frescos by professor Ettore Mazzini fill the interior.
San Bernardo Church
In the region called Lerca, in the hills above Cogoleto, lies San Bernardo Church. It was rebuilt in 1924, it features a stately bell tower.
Sant'Ermete Church
Rebuilt in the 1960s after being demolished during World War II, Sant'Ermete Church is situated in Sciarborasca, a part of Cogoleto.
Museum of Civilization
Located in the section of Cogoleto called Sciarborasca, this museum is housed within a typical Ligurian structure and depicts peasant life during Ligurian times.
Historical buildings and monuments
One of a handful of Ligurian towns to claim birth rights to Christopher Columbus, Cogoleto does an impressive job of commemorating the man. In the Piazza Guiste there is a marble bust of Columbus in front of the Municipio's west wall. Created by the sculptor, Domenico Vassallo in 1864, it was not until 1888 when a marble pedestal, and two marble griffins were added, that the monument was unveiled and presented to the town.
A Relief Portrait of Christopher Columbus
The town hall's north wall features a portrait of the great explorer, surrounded by a set of 16 marvelous tiles that depict scenes from his life.
Prato Zanino
A former psychiatric hospital, this structure includes a fresco created by Gino Grimaldi.
Places of Interest
Both sand and pebbles cover parts of Cogoleto's seashore, so sun worshippers can take their pick. A seaside promenade stretches for 3 km along the bay.
The Wreck of Haven
Sunk on April 14, 1991, this supertanker lies 80 meters below sea level. A rich ecosystem can now be found within the wreck, and many divers enjoy exploring it.
Monte Beigua
Rising 1287 meters above sea level, Monte Beigua rises above Cogoleto, dominating the landscape. Follow a path beginning at Sciarborasca. It's an excellent hike into the Ligurian hills and offers breathtaking vistas.
Events
Have a taste of “frisceu”, a Cogoleto culinary specialty made with potatoes and eggplant, during this feast day honoring Cogoleto's patron saint, San Lorenzo.
Feast of San Bernardo - August 20
Patron saint of Lerca, a region of Cogoleto, San Bernardo is feted on August 20 with a procession of wooden crucifixes.
Feast of Sant'Ermete - August 28
Wooden crucifixes are paraded through the streets of Sciarborasca during the feast day of Sant'Ermete. A livestock show takes place the Sunday prior.
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