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Camogli
Kissed by the sun that brushes the colours of the typical tall houses with ever-changing light, embraced by the natural green amphitheatre of maritime pines and olive trees, the old village of Camogli stands on the shores of Paradise Gulf, between the city of Genoa to the west and the exclusive resorts of the Portofino coast to the east. Once known as the “City of a Thousand Sails” in honour of its glorious fleet, Camogli can claim a history rich in maritime traditions dating back to the days when its courageous captains sailed away to conquer faraway seas.
Although the great sailing vessels are no longer part of the scenery, the aspect of the old town has remained remarkably intact, readily recognizable by the parish church and the Dragone Castle standing above the harbour, flanked by the colourful tall houses towering over the seafront.
Here life revolves around the little harbour, where colourfully painted boats seem content to bob in the water, laden with nets, ropes and lamps that testify to the traditional methods still used by local fishermen. Camogli is the last place in the Ligurian sea with a tonnara, an ingenious system of nets devised to catch migrating tuna, used in the Mediterranean for several centuries.
Idly observing activity in the harbour, strolling along the seafront, stopping at the characteristic cafés to sip an espresso, sample the fragrant focaccia, or taste local dishes at a restaurant, are all simple pleasures of life in Camogli. The peaceful pace leaves time for people, and it is this human dimension which makes visitors want to return again and again.
Folklore also plays an important role in the life of Camogli. On the second weekend in May, the town erupts in a volcano of colours and flavours for the annual Fish Festival. Held in held in honour of San Fortunato, patron saint of fishermen, the festivities commence on Saturday, when the religious procession is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the sea and huge bonfires on the beach. On Sunday, attention is focused on the huge frying pan measuring 4 metres across, used to fry tons of fish which is handed out to visitors.
Another magic moment occurs in August, on the feast of Stella Maris. In the morning, a religious procession of festively decorated boats, led by Camogli’s most famous vessel called “U Dragun” heads to Punta Chiappa, where Mass in celebrated in honour of Our Lady the protector of sailors. At night, when the sun dips below the edge of the sea, hundreds of votive candles are placed on the water by people on the shore, in the water, and on boats. The spectacle is enchanting, as currents and waves lull the candles out to sea, toward the horizon, where the sea and sky meet in an infinite embrace.
Hotels Camogli
Holidays Camogli Italy
embraced by the natural green amphitheatre of maritime pines and olive trees, the old village of Camogli stands on the shores of Paradise Gulf, between the city of Genoa to the west and the exclusive resorts of the Portofino coast to
Holidays Camogli
the east. Once known as the "City of a Thousand Sails" in honour of its glorious fleet, Camogli can claim a history rich in maritime traditions dating back to the days when its courageous captains sailed away to conquer faraway seas.
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