Camogli, in the Italian region of Liguria, is a quaint village located not far from Genoa. Its history is tied to activities like fishing and sailing which, for centuries, represented its main source of income.
Known for its marina and colorful homes facing the sea, Camogli has an interesting history and some curiosities to share and learn about. The earliest attestations of its existence date back to the 10th century, when it was already known as a tuna and shrimp fishing hub; in later times, Camogli became one of the Republic of Genoa’s most important ports, thanks to its strategic position along the Ligurian coast and the renowned skills of its sailors. During the Second World War, Camogli was bombed and suffered severe damages, which his people soon fixed after the end of the conflict. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination for its sea, its architecture and, of course, its delicious cuisine.
Indeed, tourism is Camogli’s main source of income and attracts thousands and thousands of visitors every year. Among its main attractions, besides of course its stunning sea, we have the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, the Torre di Punta Chiappa, and the Castello della Dragonara, all of which are located either in or near the village’s historical center. We should also mention the beautiful Benedictine monastery at San Fruttuoso, which is not far: built in the 10th century, it can be reached, just like the secluded beach in front of it, via sea or through a pedestrian trekking path.
If you spend some days here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of Camogli’s best-known delicacies, which are a typical example of Ligurian cuisine. Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients and includes classics like focaccia and pesto, as well as marinated anchovies, baccalà fritters, and capponada, a fish soup. Camogli is also known for its many fairs and traditional feasts: on the first of August, the town celebrates the Madonna della Stella, protector of all sailors, with the tradition of the Stella Maris, which involves sea processions, fireworks, and rowing competitions. If you love fish, then you should head over on the second Saturday of May when, every year, the Sagra del Pesce takes place. For the occasion, Camogli’s port is filled with stalls and street vendors selling delicious, fish-based dishes and wine.
As its history attests, Camogli is primarily and in its heart, a fishermen’s village: it isn’t surprising, so, to learn about its long-established boat-building tradition, which continues still today. It is also home to an important marine museum, the Museo Marinaro Giovanni Cicala, where a vast collection of sailing tools, ship models, and fishing implements are exhibited. Every year in September, Camogli hosts the Raduno dei Gozzi, an event dedicated to the gozzo, a traditional sailboat typical of the Ligurian coast. During the feast, gozzi are decorated with flowers and colorful flags and then paraded along the port.
We should also mention that Camogli has a cinematic claim to fame, as it was the set of Massimo Troisi’s famous last movie Il Postino. A great part of the movie was shot on location in the village and its surroundings.
Last but not least, a note about an icon of Italian highway traveling, the Camogli sandwich, a slice of focaccia Genovese filled with ham and Emmental cheese, rigorously sold – at last with that name – in Autogrill, Italy’s own highway restaurants: apparently, the sandwich got its name because it was first made in Camogli. Well, I don’t know if that’s true or not but one thing is certain: recent polls show that the Camogli is the most sold sandwich in the country, which definitely shows how something simple and tasty is always a winner.
Next time you visit, take a few days to visit Liguria and make sure to add Camogli to your itinerary!
Known for its marina and colorful homes facing the sea, Camogli has an interesting history and some curiosities to share and learn about. The earliest attestations of its existence date back to the 10th century, when it was already known as a tuna and shrimp fishing hub; in later times, Camogli became one of the Republic of Genoa’s most important ports, thanks to its strategic position along the Ligurian coast and the renowned skills of its sailors. During the Second World War, Camogli was bombed and suffered severe damages, which his people soon fixed after the end of the conflict. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination for its sea, its architecture and, of course, its delicious cuisine.
Indeed, tourism is Camogli’s main source of income and attracts thousands and thousands of visitors every year. Among its main attractions, besides of course its stunning sea, we have the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, the Torre di Punta Chiappa, and the Castello della Dragonara, all of which are located either in or near the village’s historical center. We should also mention the beautiful Benedictine monastery at San Fruttuoso, which is not far: built in the 10th century, it can be reached, just like the secluded beach in front of it, via sea or through a pedestrian trekking path.
If you spend some days here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of Camogli’s best-known delicacies, which are a typical example of Ligurian cuisine. Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients and includes classics like focaccia and pesto, as well as marinated anchovies, baccalà fritters, and capponada, a fish soup. Camogli is also known for its many fairs and traditional feasts: on the first of August, the town celebrates the Madonna della Stella, protector of all sailors, with the tradition of the Stella Maris, which involves sea processions, fireworks, and rowing competitions. If you love fish, then you should head over on the second Saturday of May when, every year, the Sagra del Pesce takes place. For the occasion, Camogli’s port is filled with stalls and street vendors selling delicious, fish-based dishes and wine.
As its history attests, Camogli is primarily and in its heart, a fishermen’s village: it isn’t surprising, so, to learn about its long-established boat-building tradition, which continues still today. It is also home to an important marine museum, the Museo Marinaro Giovanni Cicala, where a vast collection of sailing tools, ship models, and fishing implements are exhibited. Every year in September, Camogli hosts the Raduno dei Gozzi, an event dedicated to the gozzo, a traditional sailboat typical of the Ligurian coast. During the feast, gozzi are decorated with flowers and colorful flags and then paraded along the port.
We should also mention that Camogli has a cinematic claim to fame, as it was the set of Massimo Troisi’s famous last movie Il Postino. A great part of the movie was shot on location in the village and its surroundings.
Last but not least, a note about an icon of Italian highway traveling, the Camogli sandwich, a slice of focaccia Genovese filled with ham and Emmental cheese, rigorously sold – at last with that name – in Autogrill, Italy’s own highway restaurants: apparently, the sandwich got its name because it was first made in Camogli. Well, I don’t know if that’s true or not but one thing is certain: recent polls show that the Camogli is the most sold sandwich in the country, which definitely shows how something simple and tasty is always a winner.
Next time you visit, take a few days to visit Liguria and make sure to add Camogli to your itinerary!
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