Vesima
Vesima: a cozy hamlet in Genoa
Vesima, also known as A Vexima in the Ligurian language, is a hamlet of the municipality of Genoa, located in the former district of Voltri. It is part of the Crevari urban unit of the Municipality of Genoa. Vesima represents the northernmost point of the Gulf of Genoa and, together with the nearby village of Crevari, is the only locality in the municipality that geographically belongs to the Riviera di Ponente.
Territory
The hamlet of Vesima is located west of the Leira stream and about 3 km from Voltri, at the border with the municipality of Arenzano. Along the Aurelia road, there are few houses and beach resorts, unlike the medieval historic center located on the hill in the valley of the Vesima stream. The territory is characterized by the steep slope of the Ligurian Apennines, crossed by the A10 motorway with a series of viaducts that cross the streams behind the village. The Lupara stream, on the border with the municipality of Arenzano, is crossed by a motorway viaduct 70 meters high and 224 meters long. The Vesima beach, delimited by two small promontories, is about 500 meters long and a few meters wide, and is strongly affected by the erosion of the sea.
History
The oldest nucleus of the locality, located in the valley of the Vesima stream, dates back to the Middle Ages with the name of Vezema or Mezema. In 1160, it was founded by the Vento family as a religious complex around which some farmhouses developed. The monastery was inhabited by Italian Crocigeri until 1216, when Cistercian nuns took over and remained there for about 300 years. There are still testimonies of ancient agricultural activity, such as dry-stone walls that supported the terraces upstream of the Aurelia road.
Vesima Beach
Vesima beach is mainly frequented by Genoese people during the summer season. Its particularity is that it is a very narrow beach characterized by fine sand. It is framed by a cove with imposing rocks overlooking the sea, which protect it from large waves and strong winds. On the beach, there are various beach resorts where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Riviera di Ponente.
What to see in Vesima
In addition to the beach, Vesima also offers other tourist attractions. On the Lupara stream, you can admire some remains of an ancient serpentinite quarry. Moreover, in the valley of the Lupara stream, there are spectacular waterfalls that attract many visitors. Furthermore, the historic center of Vesima, with the church of San Pietro and the monastery of the Cistercian nuns, represents a jewel of medieval history to visit.
How to reach Vesima
To reach Vesima, you can take the Genoa-Ventimiglia railway line and get off at the Vesima station. Alternatively, by car, you can take the State Road 1 Via Aurelia and follow the signs.
In conclusion, Vesima is a small hamlet of Genoa that does not disappoint the expectations of the most demanding tourists. The beauty of the beach, beach resorts, and the medieval historic center make it an ideal destination to spend a vacation in relaxation, culture, and history.
