Bonassola
Discovering Bonassola: the Ligurian municipality
Hello friends, today we will talk about a municipality in Liguria: Bonassola! This characteristic Italian village is located in the province of La Spezia and has about 807 inhabitants. Let's discover together the history and geography of this magnificent place.
Physical Geography
Bonassola is located on the Gulf of the Ligurian eastern coast and is surrounded by a lush hilly circle. The territory is characterized by terraced olive groves and vineyards that offer a charming panoramic view. The city extends for about 5 kilometers and is situated on a vast alluvial plain.
History
Origins
According to historical sources, the toponym "Bonassola" may derive from "Bulnetia" or "Bodetia". However, there are more reliable sources that trace the name "Bonassola" back to the ancient term "Vallis Bonazolae", which referred to that coastal area between Levanto and Framura. The city was then founded between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in the aforementioned area facing the sea.
The first documents and the foundation
The first official mention of Bonassola dates back to a document of 1269, where the Church of San Giorgio ("de Resegunti") is mentioned. In another notarial act of 1277, two inhabitants of the place are mentioned: Bonaccorso Scerno and Giovannino Zanegno. However, a further mention dates back to a papal document by Pope Anastasio IV in 1154.
The foundation of the primitive "Vallis Bonazolae" is very ancient. This is demonstrated by the excavations carried out between 1959 and 1960 by Leopoldo Cimaschi in the locality of Chiasarotta, where the ancient remains of the church of San Giorgio di Reggimonti and a human presence prior to Roman colonization were found.
Genoese dominion
In the thirteenth century, Bonassola was an important maritime center and its feudal ownership passed from the Da Passano lords to the Republic of Genoa which, in the first half of the fifteenth century, subjected it to the podesteria of Framura. In 1531, a fiscal survey commissioned by the Genoese government confirmed the importance of commercial activities related to the sea such as wine, olive oil, and chestnuts.
During the second half of the sixteenth century, Bonassola had to deal with the incursions of Saracen pirates, which interrupted a period of prosperity for the city.
Conclusions
Here are some interesting information about Bonassola, a small municipality on the Ligurian eastern coast. I hope this article has helped you to get to know this splendid location better and has transmitted to you some of its history and natural beauty. If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the sea, nature, and culture, Bonassola is the perfect choice for you.
