 Introduction
Santa Margherita Ligure is a fair-sized town; large enough not to seem smothered by the tourism which has been an integral part of the town's existence for decades. The harbor mainly caters for smart yachts, but the town is also home to a small fishing fleet which can be seen unloading opposite the business like morning fish market. There are wide ranges of hotels and restaurants, and a selection of good day trips to make if you get tired of pottering along the laidback seafront.
 Arrival
By Plane
The handiest airports for this stretch of the Italian Riviera are Genoa and Pisa - both towns are connected by rail to the coast, and both are on budget airline routes from the UK.
By Train
On the main railway line between Pisa and Genoa, access is easy from Rome and other big cities. Piazza Principe and Brignole are the main railway stations in Genova: the former is located in the western area of the city, the latter in the eastern area. Some trains from Milano and Torino stop only at Piazza Principe. Brignole station (from which all trains to Santa Margherita depart) can be reached by bus or by train.
By Car
Santa Margherita can be reached via highway A12 (Livorno-Genova). The exit is Rapallo. Then follow indications for Santa Margherita-Portofino.
Ferry
Passenger ferries connect the town with other resorts up and down the coast, and are a good way to see the area. The trip to Portofino takes just a few minutes.
 History and Culture
The Roman origins of the city are testified by the artifacts found in the region, but the events of Santa Margherita were confirmed by documents starting from the medieval ages. After becoming a stronghold by the family Fieschi in the XIII century it was taken over by the Genoan control, and so it was, until the end of the eighteenth century. On July 18 of 1798 the borgo area was still divided in two autonomous suburbs: Corte, that was found before the harbor zone and, Pescino, on the gravel shores of the parochial church. These two suburbs were divided by a hill. That day Pescino created for themselves the Municipality Township of Santa Margherita, as well as, the Township of San Giacomo. The two townships had often been in harsh rivalry.
On December 22 1812, Napoleon, with an imperial decree, united Santa Margherita and San Giacomo into one community that carried his name: Port Napoleon. After the fall of the empire was established, Genoa, the Governor and the common people created a temporary administration system. In 1818, for will of the Governor, the town Santa Margherita of Rapallo was established, drivin by the advice of the elderly, led by Gerolamo Costaguta. In 1863, 45 years later Vittorio Emanuela II declared the name of Santa Margherita.
 Churches and Museums
La Madonna della Rosa
When in downtown, visit the Basilica di S. Margherita di Antiochia, also called La Madonna della Rosa honoring the legend of a sailor who in the middle ages brought a sculpture of the Virgin with a rose in her right hand and Jesus on her left arm. The construction of the Basilica was begun in 1658, the bell tower is of the 1750's. The bell tower on the left side is of 1927.
Church of San Giacomo
Church of San Giacomo in Corte was built in 17th century which contains among other sights a creepily-illuminated Madonna in a rocky niche.
Santa Margherita Vergine e Martire
This Church was built in 16th century.
Saint Erasmo Church
This Church houses an oratory with a superb collection of mariners votary objects.
 Historical buildings and monuments
Cervara Abbey
The complex rises between a dense and rich vegetation over the Coast road of the Dolphins between Saint Margherita and Portofino, it is made up of church, monastery and large park with garden. In 1912 it has was declared a national monument.
Villa Durazzo Palace
Villa Durazzo Palace is the most beautiful mansion in town. It was a summer residence built in the seventeenth century by rich Genovese family. Now, it houses a museum (Vittorio Rossi Museum), and an impressive art collection.
 Places of Interests
Good daytrips from Santa Margherita include Portofino, the picturesque San Fruttuoso Abbey, the resorts of Camogli and Rapallo, Genoa and the Cinque Terre (around an hour by train, or an all-day boat excursion).
 Events
Festivity of the Spring - Spring
Every year in March, Margherita holds festivites to welcome in the Spring.
A Summer in festivity - July and August
Between July and August there are popular festivities, in order to honor the patron Saint Margherita d' Antiochia.
 Links
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