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Liguria:
Cervo &
San Bartolomeo
Thoroughly
charming Cervo lies in the Steria Valley (between
the provinces of Savona and Imperia) and is the only example
of a perfectly preserved medieval village placed perpendicular
to the sea. Cervo has been called a painter’s heaven
because of the light, reflections, shadows and breathtaking
beauty of the town’s position. The town has cobbled
streets and alleyways and pathways called "carrugi"
that add a mystical feeling to your wanderings…..add
the stone houses, sculpted portals, stone walls, arches,
terraces and you’ll understand why Monet chose to
paint here. This is an ancient-ancient walled town. Throughout
the town you’ll see palazzi, villas and ancient buildings
with unique characteristics — decorative portals,
arches, stonework, pavements — it is so very beautiful.
The town "gets" you as soon as you enter….the
people are friendly and the town is very manageable. The
Baroque Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista (17th
century) is known as the "Church of Corals"
(Chiesa degli Corallini) because it was built with donations
from the coral fisherman (some great works of art are
inside). Note the altars, the marble, frescoes and alabaster
in this fine church. The Oratory of Santa Caterina
was a parish church until the first half of the 17th
century (even though it was built in the 10th
century) and is now completely renovated and has beautiful
frescoes (Romanesque in style). Among the walls of the
Castle of Cervo/Clavesana Castle (12th
century) is the Museo Etnografica del Ponente Ligure,
which shows ancient instruments and tools, costumes
and other items used and worn by the people of Liguria.
There’s another museum to take a look at if you have
the time: Museo dell’Olivo "U Gumbu".
Take an unforgettable walk along the sea to the cliff
called Il Poteghetto (close to the sea, lovely
colors, panoramic views). And do take in the beaches here
— they’re lovely. Market day in Cervo is
on Thursday.
San
Bartolomeo is an ancient seaside village (of Roman
origin) with flowers, herbs, trees, hedges — the
sea….total beauty. It’s really rather striking.
The town was created by combining two towns (medieval):
Rovere and San Bartolomeo. In the old town you’ll
find the duomo (medieval, but enlarged in the 17th
century) with a painting/poliptych by de Rossi (San Bartolomeo
and Saints). Do check out the Santuario della
Madonna della Rovere (in Rovere) with its neoclassical
façade and statue of the Virgin, a 15th
century crucifix and a fresco by Carrega. The beaches
in this town are nice too….
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