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Rapallo,

the heart of the

Portofino Gulf.

March 2017

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The port of Rapallo: location

Rapallo, with its half-moon gulf, is a spectacular coastal town lying between the

mountains and the sea in the Ligurian Riviera: visitors from around the world come to

Rapallo to experience its natural beauty, cultural resources and rich historical past.

It is located on the East Riviera di Levante (East Ligurian Riviera), in the North of Italy

just 30 km. East from Genoa.

Latitude 44° 21’ N Longitude 9° 14’ E

The port of Rapallo is approximately:

16 nautical miles far from Genoa

65 nautical miles far from Leghorn

170 nautical miles far from Civitavecchia

96 nautical miles far from Montecarlo

216 nautical miles far from Marseille

160 nautical miles far from Ajaccio

102 nautical miles far from French Riviera

By bus:

30 km far from Genoa

160 km far from Milan

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The territorial context and general info

Thanks to its position right in the centre of the Tigullio Bay, Rapallo enjoys a well

deserved fame as a valuable and welcoming tourist resort, a fame that started way

back in the second half of the 19th century and that is still alive today.

Set among the green coast of Portofino Headland and the rocky reefs that separate

it from Zoagli, Rapallo offers amazing landscapes from both the coast and the

surrounding hill hamlets. Just behind the main town, N.S. di Montallegro Sanctuary

is the destination of many pilgrimages coming from any part of Italy, and it can be

reached by Liguria’s only cableway which offers a breath-taking view on the whole

Bay.

A prestigious tourist port, 40 hotels, 2 camping areas, 4 farmhouses, more than

60 restaurants, a dozen beach resorts, many bars and clubs: these are the

numbers of a tourist reception that works all year long, thanks to the mild climate

that makes Rapallo the ideal choice for pleasant holidays in winter time too,

offering a corner of paradise just a few km. away from the foggy Po Valley area.

The remarkable Vittorio Veneto promenade, with its long line of palms and the

open-air bars overlooking the street, is the elite-room of a town that is vital in

every season, thanks to its active social and commercial structure. Moreover,

Rapallo offers its visitors and residents many cultural activities as well: the

Academies, the International Library, the museums, and the all year long events-

schedule of concerts, conferences and exhibitions, all invite to enjoy the lively and

never common social life of the town. Finally, many sporting clubs are active at

several sports grounds that meet any kind of demands, from the prestigious 18

holes golf course to the swimming complex, gyms and grounds for any discipline.

Rapallo

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The history

Set in a fertile strategically important land, Rapallo has always had a hegemonic role on nearby towns, mainly because of its position

controlling the bay and the road to Ruta pass; in 17th century Rapallo’s jurisdiction covered the area from Portofino to Zoagli and up to the

inlands, including part of Fontanabuona valley. The village of Pre-Roman origins (Liguri Tigulli people lived here) became part of the

protectorate of Genoa during 10th and 11th century, being Genoa’s faithful ally in the fights against the Pisani, the Venetians and the

French.

In 1550, following the sack and destruction caused by Dragut pirate, who turned many inhabitants into slaves, the castle was built in order

to complete the bay’s defensive system together with the fortifications of San Michele di Pagana, Santa Margherita Ligure, Paraggi and

Portofino. In the second half of 19th century, the town’s tourist luck began.

In late 1917, an Anglo-Franco-Italian conference met at Rapallo following the disastrous Italian defeat at Caporetto. It was decided to create

a supreme war council at Versailles and to shift some French and British troops to the Italian front. On November 12, 1920, Italy and the

Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later renamed Yugoslavia) signed the Treaty of Rapallo, 1920, which resolved the frontier issues

between them without reference to the other Allies. Italy acquired the strategically important crest of the Julian Alps as her boundary in the

northeast. Also concluded at Rapallo was the Russian-German Treaty of Rapallo of April 1922, in which both countries renounced claims to

war reparations and renewed diplomatic relations. This agreement marked the emergence of Russia and Germany from the diplomatic

isolation caused by World War I (1914-1918).

During World War II numerous partisans from Rapallo were shot by German occupation troops.

Rapallo nowadays is a perfect synthesis between tradition and innovation: in the old town, bounded by the railway belt, new streets alternate

with the old narrow “carruggi” and modern buildings come together with the ancient fishermen’s houses, restored to their original beauty.

The historical centre is a time machine taking back through the ages along narrow alleys, shreds of history, centuries-old porticoes, painted

houses. Today visitors can admire memories of the past especially along the Vittorio Veneto promenade, where hotels and cafes evoke the

elitist and cosmopolitan phase of Rapallo’s long history like seaside resort. Historical heritage, made of culture and of the vestiges of the

past, day after day become richer in services and infrastructures in order to valorize the territory and assist citizens and tourists in the best

possible way.

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The port: infrastructures and port services

The gulf of Rapallo allows ships to

anchor at latitude 44° 20,1 N, longitude

009° 14,2 E

Ship tenders can be

accommodated in Molo Duca

degli Abruzzi which is 120

mtrs long with a draft

alonside of 2,5 mtr. From

here, passenger have 200

mtrs to the promenade that

connects the tender arrival

point with the city center.

Buses can be parked 50 mtrs

far from the ship tenders in a

parking which belongs to the

municipality.

Bus parking

Promenade

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How a cruise guest is welcomed in Rapallo

Hospitality is one of the main traditions and attitudes of the citizens of

Rapallo. Cruise ships are welcomed with folkloristic songs and dances.

Group of women work the lace and show to cruise guests how this

tradition is transferred to young people. Some “focaccia” (local bread)

and cold drinks are offered by a group of “Alpini” (the characteristic

Italian Alpine troops).

Cruise passengers arriving with a tender

Cruise passengers disembarking with bikes

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Rapallo: a new cruise destination

Rapallo’s natural attraction lies in its gently rolling hills, its winding lanes - the so called “caruggi”, narrow pedestrian alleys crossing the

city centre - and its porticoes, with columns and arches, once used as ballast after ships coming back empty to the harbor. The

historical centre is a unique agglomeration of old buildings, clung together like a defensive wall against pirate attack, and the custodian

of inestimable treasures, from the Ancient Castle to the Cathedral, without forgetting the Civic Tower and the “Porta delle Saline”, the

only gate still surviving. However, art is equally at home in the streets where you’d least expect it, with small wall niches containing

exquisite religious statues or icons and sculpted marble or slate portals. What strikes the visitor is how every small church both in town

and in the villages hides a treasure, waiting for the curious to discover it in amazement. There really is so much that’s worth a visit,

even just a brief one! Offseason is the best period to discover the hidden beauties of this corner of Liguria: the seaside is not so

crowded, wandering around the old town and the little villages surrounding Rapallo is a pleasant experience, while trekking on many

panoramic trails (the so called “croeuze”) along the crests of the hills offers an amazing view that ranges from the two Rivieras to

Genoa’s hinterland, from the Apuan Alps on the east to Cape Mele on the west.

A walking visit to the historical centre of Rapallo may take 2 hours.

The Ancient Castle

Built on top of a cliff, just at the end of the promenade,

and connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, the

Castle is the symbol of Rapallo, closely linked to the

history and the legends of the town. Though it is

considered like medieval, it really belongs to the

Modern Age as it was built in 1549, after the sack of

Rapallo by the Turkish ships, guided by the notorious

pirate Dragut. During the years it was used for

different purposes and like prison for a long time; after

the recent restoration it nowadays is the

venue of the most important exhibitions and

conventions taking place in town.

During the Patron Saint of the Town, on July 1st

, 2nd

and

3rd

, the traditional artificial fire of the Castle offers an

unique thrilling spectacle.

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The civic tower

It was built in 1459 next to Saint Stephen’s Church like a symbol of civil

freedom and it is the eldest civil monument in town. According to a

12th century document, it was where justice was administered. From the

civic tower the population was called to get together in case of perils or

for particular occasions regarding the town life.

The Church of Saint Stephen

Saint Stephen’s Church is the eldest rural church of the original village:

it was built in fact before the year one thousand on the primitive

residential area. It is said that the bishop Onorato lived here after

fleeing from Milan because of the Longobardi. It nowadays is governed

and maintained by the “Mortis et Orationis” Confraternity, called the

“Blacks” Brotherwood like its garments colour, which obtained the

church during the 17th century.

The Cathedral dedicated to the Saints Gervasio and Protasio

The origin of the church dates back to the end of the 4th century, when Ambrogio II, the Holy

Bishop of Milan, sent here a missionary who built a church close to the town walls. During the

centuries the church underwent many changes, from Romanic and gothic influence to a more

classical/Lombard one, so it nowadays has a characteristic mixing of styles. During the 17th

century the main entrance was changed and the main altar was moved to the western side. It

features a marble neoclassical façade with a bronze portal by Arrigo Minerbi and Pietro Bolis

(1957). The two central panels show the Virgin Mary holding to her chest an icon for the people

of Rapallo; on the upper and lower panels are depicted the events taking place after the

Apparition on the 2nd of July 1957. The bell tower was built from the architect Storace in 1753

and successively decorated. The bell cell hosts eight bells: the biggest one is dedicated to the

Virgin Mary, the others to Peace, Dead, King Christ, St. Joseph, Saints Gervasio and Protasio, the

Sestieri (popular quarters) and to the Sea. The interior, divided into three aisles, hosts many

works of art, including an 18th century wooden Christ (2nd chapel on the right), the interesting

painting called “Il Miracolo di San Biagio” by Domenico Fiasella (last chapel on the right), the

16th century “Annunciazione” (6th chapel on the left) and the “Deposizione” credited to Luca

Cambiaso (3rd chapel on the left).

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The “Whites” Oratory

The Whites Oratory, built during the 16th century and originally dedicated

to the Virgin Mary, then to the Holy Trinity, is so called because of the

garments colour of the Brotherwood governing it. It has a single aisle and a

small bell tower and holds many pieces of art: a few Ligurian processional

crucifixes; an 18th century organ within a baroque structure; a wooden

statue by Maragliano (St. Sebastian), highly interesting because of its

anatomic perfection; a painting named “Madonna col bambino e santi”,

whose author remains unknown (Domenico Piola or Domenico Fiasella); the

choir stalls (15th century) coming from the Cervara Monastery.

The Monastery of Clarisse

It is a 17th century monumental building, deconsecrated in

1915. Originally part of the Church of Santa Chiara di

Montefalco and the relative convent, it hosts today an

auditorium and the “Attilio e Cleofe Gaffoglio” Museum. The

parish church marble altar, built in 1772, was moved to the

Saints Gervasio and Protasio’s Cathedral.

The Attilio and Cleofe Gaffolio Museum is an extensive

display of fine jewelry, ivory and china, as well as of

sculptures and paintings dating from the 14th

to the 20th

Century, which were collected by the connoisseur Attilio

Gaffoglio in his house over a forty-year period. He donated

the collection to the city of Rapallo and now it is possible to

see this splendid collection consisting over 800 items of

antiques. Just to mention one of them, in the jewelry section

stand a few most precious items made in St. Petersburg by

Karl Fabergé during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, such as the

Easter Egg in gold, red enamel and precious stones.

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The Lace Museum of Rapallo

The lace manufacture in the so called Riviera of Levante reached its peak in the

XVI century, but the women made laces with gold, silver and silk threads since

the XIII century, using them for altars, the priests vestments and for bedcovers. In

the XV century the making of lace was

dedicated mainly to clothes and the production started to be appreciated by the

French court; in 1684, however, France prohibited the import of lace in order to

protect its own industry. The use of lace by the Genoese women was so

widespread that in 1705 some very strict laws were established to limit the

application of lace on women clothing. The craftsmanship of lace, however,

remained like a tradition of the whole Tigullio Gulf’s area and nowadays is

remembered by a fully dedicated museum.

The frescoed houses

Painting the houses with bright colours is a characteristic of the whole Ligurian region. In

Rapallo, like in the near towns, many houses are ornate with frescos using a particular

technique handed on for generations. The fashion of “fake windows” has however a

historical explanation: the Republic of Genoa imposed an extraordinary tax, known like

the “tax on the windows”, in order to cover the big expenses caused from the XVIII

century disorders (the war of succession of Austria and the rebellion of Corsica): so the

Ligurians started to paint fake windows in order to have houses decorated anyway, thus

avoiding the tax.

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What to do, what to taste

A delicious homemade ice cream after

a walk around the “caruggi”

A walk through the colours and the

perfumes of the market in the

historical centre.

Italian cuisine classes or wine and

food tastings can be arranged in

any location (in a historic site, a

winery as well as in a restaurant).

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Around Rapallo

(for a half day tour in combination with a visit to the city centre)

The Sanctuary of Montallegro

San Michele di Paganas’s Church

San Michele is a hamlet of Rapallo that lies on an enchanting gulf and includes three small villages: Trelo, Prelo and

Pomaro. This spectacular little village, along the border with the Municipality of Santa Margherita Ligure, was once called

Ogliastro and had always close relationships with Genoa. The baroque parish church goes back to the beginning of the XII

century and, in the left aisle, holds a Van Dick’s canvas, painted when the artist was compelled to flee from Genoa after a

mortal duel: the picture represents the Crucifixion with Saint Francisco and Saint Leonard.

The Monastery of Valle Christi

The complex was built in the 13th century according to the French Gothic style. Originally owned by the Cistercian nuns,

it became later property of the Clarisse nuns; in 1568 it was abandoned according to an order of Pope Pio V, who, after

the Council of Trento, decided to ban monastic centers away from towns.

This is the Sanctuary that the population of Rapallo loves more: it was built above the

spring of miraculous water where the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant in 1557 and

soon the Montallegro Virgin Mary was elected like the Patron Saint of the town. The

Sanctuary hosts a particular icon of the Virgin Mary, called the “Dormitio Virginis”, left

from the Virgin Mary in the same place where She appeared. When some Ragusans

visiting the Sanctuary claimed the icon back and loaded it onto their ship, the icon

disappeared and was found back again in the Sanctuary: the Ragusans accepted the

divine sign and the icon remained in Rapallo. The beautiful marble façade was designed

by the architect Revelli at the end of the 19th century, the vaults are painted by the

Genoese Nicolò Barabino and the altars are a triumph of multicolored marbles. The walls

are covered with thousands of ex-votos demonstrating the great devotion of the citizens

to the Virgin Mary.

A funicular connects Rapallo to Montallegro. This is one of the most exciting and

beautiful experiences that this destination offers.

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Some parts of the church (namely the apse, the transept and the spire bell tower) survive in a solitary and still unspoiled

environment, close to Rapallo’s golf course. Every summer it hosts an important cultural festival.

Golf at the exclusive Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo

Out from Rapallo, but very near:

(for a half day tour in combination with a visit to the city centre)

Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure

(at approx 7 km , 20’ by bus – 20’ by boat – ½ day tour)

Portofino: ~ 550 inhabitants

Portofino, a small village on the Ligurian Riviera, was founded by the Romans and named Portus Delphini, or Port of the

Dolphin, because of the large number of dolphins that inhabited the Tigullian Gulf. Nowadays it is a picturesque, small

(ex fishing people) village and tourist resort, with restaurant, bars and shops, considered anyway one of the most

beautiful Mediterranean ports.

To visit: the village, the Castello Brown, the San Martino Church.

Santa Margherita Ligure: ~ 10,500 inhabitants

Very close to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is a town surrounded by hills covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation: a

paradisiacal setting for villas and gardens , all with spectacular views on to the coast Typical products and luxury brands

are offered by the local shops, and the port welcomes luxury yachts as well as local traditional fishing vessels. The port is

The Golf Club in Rapallo has become the soul of Ligurian gulf with

its friendly atmosphere, coaching programs and charming

clubhouse, which opens onto an expansive and unique green of 18-

hole.

This golf course features gentle rolling hills and the 13th

century

complex of Valle Christi, a monastery which add character to

several holes. This is an ideal outing for golfers of all abilities.

The club is just 10 minutes from the tender arrival point.

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also the site for sporting activities, such as sailing and canoeing, as well as numerous fashionable social events linked to

the

Genoa

(at approx. 30 km , 40’ by bus - ½ day tour)

Genoa is a city with an old history, focused on its central position in the North Tyrrenic sea. Nowadays part of the old city

is inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO). What to see: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Via Garibaldi, Piazza de Ferrari,

Porta Soprana and the Colombo’s House, the Rolli Buildings (Palazzi dei Rolli), S. Matteo Church, the Porto Antico area

with the Bigo (Renzo Piano architectures), the historical center (the largest in Europe), the Aquarium and many other

attractions.

Sestri Levante

(at approx. 20 km, 30’ by bus - ½ day tour)

Sestri is characterised, in fact, by the two very famous bays, the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables) and the Baia del Silenzio

(Bay of Silence), that, divided by a rocky promontory called "Island", face one Manara Point and the other Tigullio. The Baia

delle Favole, with a port, announces the most lively and animated part of the town, with the seafront street, the bathing

establishments, the ice-cream shops and the hotels. On the other hand, in the Baia del Silenzio, the atmosphere is cosy

and romantic, still tied to the customs of fishing that has always represented an important economical resource for Sestri.

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Event Calendar

No matter what season you plan to visit Rapallo, you’ll find an extraordinary schedule of events and fun things to do including concerts, festivals,

sporting events, fairs and markets, parades and more!

Main events:

- Eastertime

Floral compositions and miniature of the Ancient Castle along the Promenade and all over the city, entertainment for

adults and children, traditional distribution of bedders, City of Rapallo Band in concert

- International motorcycle rally

May – Promenade

- Rapallo Carige National Literary Award for the Woman Writer

Summer (usually in June) - Villa Tigullio

- “OPA Marine” sail race

Rapallo – Tino Island – Rapallo – July

- “Feste di Luglio”: Patron Saint of the Town - July 1st

, 2nd

and 3rd

Spectacular fireworks in honor of the Virgin Mary, the festivities begin with shots at 8 a.m. on July 1st

; at noon on July 2nd

the traditional “panegyric” is held and in the evening of July 3rd

there is the Christian procession through the streets of the

city centre and the spectacular Ancient Castle fire. All three evenings, in a magic atmosphere, extraordinary fireworks –

organized by the six “sestieri”, popular quarters subdividing the city without administrative aims, but with the only

purpose of arranging the Patron Saint Festivities – are fired from barges in the middle of the sea. Traditionally Rapallo’s

July fireworks are the most prestigious of the whole Riviera.

“City of Rapallo - Memorial Nina Soldun” International Classical Dance Stage and International “City of Rapallo”

Festival of Ballet with the participation of the Russian School of St. Petersburg and the attendance of large etoiles - Open

air theatre

July – August

- Daily events like cabarets, concerts, outdoor shows and sport events are organized in summertime. Right in summer

one of the most important sport event takes place: it is called “Scherma di luna” and provides that the Italian national

fencing team shall face another national team (changing every year) in exciting male and female open air matches.

- Milano - Rapallo international cycle race

September – Town

- Italiana Cup

International sailing event reserved to under 18 - September - Town and Tigullio Gulf

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This document has been edited by Mediterranean Destinations

Marketing Department - Municipality of Rapallo

Ph: +39.0185.6801

fax: +39.0185.680388

Email: turismo@comune.rapallo.ge.it

For maritime support

Hugo Trumpy Group

Ivan Morini

ph: +39.010.2494383

fax: +39.010.2494232

im.agency@hugotrumpy.it