Varazze

Welcome to Varazze: the town on the Riviera delle Palme

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Varazze, one of the most beautiful towns in Liguria, located on the Riviera delle Palme. Here, nestled in a wide inlet between the Mola point and the Aspera point, you will find a perfect mix of nature, sea, and history.

Physical geography

Varazze's territory is part of the regional nature park of Beigua and is protected by Mount Beigua from the cold north winds that could lower the temperatures in autumn and winter. During the summer, on the other hand, the locality is exposed to the lively and cool sea breezes of the Ligurian sea, and the temperatures do not exceed 30 degrees. The climate, therefore, is mild all year round and is ideal both for wintering and for cooling off during summer heat waves.

Varazze: a perfect blend of sea, history and nature.

History

Varazze's history has ancient origins: the first human settlement was born in the Alpicella hamlet in the 2nd millennium BC. In the 1st century, a shipyard center of the Roman Empire called "Ad Navalia" arose a few steps away from the Varazze station. The first official mention of the name Varazze is found on the Peutinger Table, dating back to the 10th century, where it is indicated as "Varagine" (that is, "place where ships are launched").

During the Middle Ages, the Varazzino territory was at the center of a struggle between the municipalities of Savona and Genoa for the control of the feud, thanks to activities related to the construction of ships and boats. In 1256, Varazze became a municipality, which was influenced by some feudal lords such as the Marquis of Ponzone, the Malocello, and Doria families. In 1312, the Varazzino navigator Lanzarotto Malocello reached the Canary Islands and discovered Lanzarote, which he named after himself.

In 1525, during a naval battle, Ugo di Moncada was defeated in the area and taken prisoner. With the fall of the Republic of Genoa in 1797, Varazze became part of the Department of Letimbro and subsequently returned to the XI Canton of the Jurisdiction of Colombo.

Tourist attractions

Varazze boasts numerous tourist attractions: the Tower of the Four Corners, the Church of Sant'Ambrogio, the Civic Museum of Ligurian Archaeology, the Leopard Fountain, and the Araba Fenice Villa, just to name a few. Furthermore, Varazze's beach is very spacious and well-kept, with a tourist port and a very romantic seafront promenade.

If you love nature, you cannot miss the regional nature park of Beigua: here you can go trekking, mountain biking, and many other outdoor activities.

Gastronomy

Varazze's cuisine is truly delicious: among the typical dishes, I recommend stuffed anchovies, focaccia alla genovese, pansotti with walnut sauce, farinata, and pesto alla genovese. And if you want to have a cocktail-based aperitif, I recommend the bar on the seafront, where you can find fantastic drinks and a very pleasant atmosphere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Varazze is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Riviera delle Palme, and it certainly deserves a visit. From nature to history, from the beach to tourist attractions, here you will have everything you want for an unforgettable holiday. We are waiting for you with open arms!

Laura De Luca
Wrote by Laura De Luca
Updated Sunday, Jul 24, 2022