San Rocco
Discovering the San Rocco Fraction in Camogli
If you are looking for a charming and peaceful place in Liguria, then San Rocco might be the right destination for you. This fraction of Camogli, located about 4.5 km from the municipal capital and positioned at 221m above sea level, has a lot to offer to visitors. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover San Rocco, from its physical geography to its history, from its places of interest to its events.
Physical Geography
San Rocco is located in the hilly area of Camogli, along the only main road and near the Church of San Rocco. From this church, two pedestrian paths lead to the center of Camogli or to the Church of San Nicolò di Capodimonte, an ancient XII-century building located along a wooded path that leads to Punta Chiappa. From the San Rocco fraction, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Paradiso, the city of Genoa, and its coast.
History
San Rocco has followed the fortunes of the municipality of Camogli and other nearby centers, such as Ruta. The first nucleus of San Rocco developed along the ridge, and the Church of San Rocco dates back to the fifteenth century. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, improvements in road connections, particularly the Via Aurelia state road, have led the fraction to become less agricultural and more oriented towards tourism. In the 1930s, San Rocco became the headquarters of the 202nd Coastal Battery of the Royal Army, the Punta Chiappa Battery.
Monuments and Points of Interest
San Rocco has several attractions to visit, the main one being the Church of San Rocco, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Paradiso. The church was built in 1863 on the site of an existing fifteenth-century chapel and preserves inside a monumental marble cornice by Bernardo Schiaffino, enclosing the painting "Madonna della Salute" by Carlo Dolci. Another important attraction is the Church of San Nicolò di Capodimonte, a XII-century Romanesque church located along the path that leads to the famous Punta Chiappa and allegedly founded by the Regular Canons near a pre-existing chapel of San Romolo del 345.
Culture
San Rocco offers many opportunities for cultural enthusiasts, including the Patron Saint's Day of San Rocco, which is held on August 16 of each year. During this festival, the "International Loyalty Dog Award" is also celebrated, a prize for dogs that have distinguished themselves for their loyalty to their owner or for their courage during disasters.
In conclusion, San Rocco is a hidden gem on the hills of Camogli that every visitor should discover. From breathtaking landscapes to millenary history, from ancient churches to cultural events, San Rocco offers something for everyone. Come and explore for yourself everything that this charming Ligurian fraction has to offer!
