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Home > Italy Travel Guide > Varazze Travel Guide

Varazze Travel GuideVarazze Travel Guide

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Introduction
Arrival
History and culture
ATTRACTIONS
Churches and Museums
Historical buildings and monuments
Places of Interest
ENTERTAINMENT
Events
USEFUL LINKS
Links

Introduction
Situated on a lovely bay that stretches from the Punta di Mola to the Punta dell'Aspera, Varazze is a seaside town with nice beaches and a bustling harbor. It claims to have the best waves on the Mediterranean, and boasts a vibrant maritime tradition. Important monuments and structures like the Church of Saint Ambrosia which stands in the town's main square, and the remnants of the wall which once encircled the town, testify to Varazze's rich history.

Just 35 kilometers from Genoa, Varazze has been a popular resort along the Ligurian Riviera for nearly a century. Visitors are of course drawn to the fabulous beaches that line Varazze's coast, but the charming villas and gardens that line the town's streets, and the abundance of nature also contribute to its allure.

Arrival
Plane
Genoa's (GOA) “Aeroporto Di Genova” is closest to Varazze, and accommodates flights from around Italy, as well as many international cities. Ryanair runs direct flights from London Stanstead to Genoa, and Lufthansa operates three daily flights out of Munich.

Train
Trains run frequently from Genoa. The trip to the Varazze station takes just 30 minutes.

Car
Just 35 km west of Genoa, Varazze lies off the A10 motorway. Exit at Varazze.

History and Culture
Founded as a military post during the Roman Era, Varazze was initially called Ad Navalia. This is due to the fact that it was a great center for ship building. It was later renamed Varagia, and then Varagine. High walls surrounded the town in the year 1000. During this time it was set up from the sea in the area by the hills, a more strategic place to keep the town safe from raids. Genoa and Savona fought over Varazze in the Middle Ages, and the town gained independence in 1227. In 1290 it was purchased by the Republic of Genoa. Hugo of Moncada, Emperor Charles V's admiral, was taken prisoner in Varazze in 1525 after being defeated in a battle. In 1798, the town was captured by Napoleon's army, and became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815. In 1861 it was included in the Kingdom of Italy.

Churches and Museums
Church of Saint Ambrosia
Constructed in 1535 on the ruins of a church from the 1300s, the Church of Saint Ambrosia boasts a grand dome. Wonderful paintings by Ligurian artists including Barbagelata and Cambiaso are housed inside, along with baroque altars. The ancient bell tower was once a part of the original Gothic church which was constructed by the Lombards.

Church of San Giacomo di Latronorio
Situated in the Pian di San Giacomo region, this 12th century church underwent restoration in the 1960s.

Church of San Nazario e Celso
The Romanesque style facade of this church dates from 1870. In the 1500s the church was rebuilt. It features a “a risseu” style mosaic in front, where pebbles are arranged in splendid patterns and nautical themes.

Church of San Domenico
Dating from 1419, this ancient church and cloister, houses frescoes from the Sienese school, as well as a polyptych from the 1500s. In 1746 French ships fired cannonballs at the town. One is still lodged within the church's facade.

Historical Buildings and Monuments
The Medieval Fortifications
A wall once surrounded Varazze entirely. Today part of the wall still stands. The ancient portion at the northern side of the town lies alongside the Church of Saint Ambrosia.

Places of Interest
The Promenade
Lined with palms, this lovely promenade runs down from the town center, winding east along the sea. It stretches to the Arrestra River's mouth.

The Desert of Varazze
Not truly a desert, this region in the valleys above Varazze is wild and uninhabited. Oak and bay trees fill this untamed area. It's a delight for nature lovers.

Events
International Mandolin Festival - February
Mandolin players from around the world get together in Varazze each year to celebrate their instrument. The mandolin was invented in Italy during the Renaissance.

Feast of Saint Catherine - April
On the last weekend in April, a grand festival is held in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena. A sculpture of Saint Catherine, covered in white roses is processed through the town to kick off the event. After lunch, a play depicting the life of Saint Catherine is held in the main square by the Church of Saint Ambrosia.

Links
Transport

Transport

City's Official Website
Hotels in Varazze
Hotel Palace3 stars
Single room - From 55€
Double room - From 85€
Triple room - From 110€
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Poggio Hotel3 stars
Single room - From 50€
Deluxe Suite - From 65€
Triple room - From 85€
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Hotel Riviera3 stars
Twin room - From 85€
JUNIOR SUITE - From 145€
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Hotel Garden Palace3 stars
Single room - From 65€
Double room - From 85€
Visit hotel page
Hotel Bristol3 stars
Single room - From 38.25€
Double room - From 65€
Triple room - From 75€
Visit hotel page


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