SPOTORNO / The history
“conosco un mare brulicante d’oro dove le vele sono fiamme esili;
un mare che tutto uno zaffiroliquefatto in cui si vorrebbe stemprarsi” (Sbarbaro)
The first nucleus of Spotorno was born probably in the area where is today the Castle, in a protected position. The seaside town achieved a certain importance at the end of the fourteenth century, when it became the headquarters of the podesta of Genoa and developed marine industry and commerce.
The castle and the Correallo and Sant'Antonio watchtowers date from that period. In 1227, when the town was still in the hands of the bishops of Savona, it was completely destroyed by near Noli. The hills are known for their vineyards (producing Buzzetto white and Vermentino wines) and for their fruit trees, especially apricots. A liqueur called "Nocino" and the local cherry liqueur are true delights.
There are several structures for sport fans: sailing, diving, traditional fishing and underwater fishing; the high spots are a favourite haunt of hang-gliding enthusiasts. The sports centre, football pitches and tennis courts complete the excellent local sports facilities. The parish church dates from the seventeenth century and preserves works by Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari, Domenico Piola and a crucifix from the Maragliano school; worth visiting are the oratories of the Annunziata (for the seventeenth-century paintings and interesting votary objects left by sailors) and of Santa Caterina.
Some of the old residences in the town and in the upper areas are worth seeing if only from the outside: Villa Albini, Villa Berlingeri, Villa Zanardi, Palazzo Berninzoni and Villa Bernarda, where Lawrence stayed; alternatively, you can follow the old Roman road or take the so-called "Dante promenade".
