Holiday apartment in Bracco: Nature, History and Panorama

Bracco: Natural Area and Roman Road

Bracco lies along the ancient Roman road from Luni to Boron and Velleia. At the same time, the Deiva–Bracco–Pietra di Vasca–Mola area is a Site of Community Importance (SCI) under special conservation measures in the Natura 2000 network in Liguria. In Bracco, this historic connection exists alongside the area’s protected status.

The Deiva–Bracco–Pietra di Vasca–Mola protected area is home to priority habitats and, among others, the species Charaxes jasius and Santolina ligustica. For those interested in nature, these habitats and species are specific features of this protected area.

The Cappella di San Rocco and Bracco’s Architectural History

Just outside Bracco, the Cappella di San Rocco stands along a pilgrimage route. The chapel was rebuilt around 1690–1700 on the ruins of an older chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. Despite several subsequent alterations, it retains its original floor plan; its architecture still displays features that were common in the 17th century. At this location, the Cappella di San Rocco links the pilgrimage route with an architectural history extending from the older Chapel of Saint Peter to the later alterations.

The Via del Bracco is equated with the Aurelia. A road suitable for wheeled vehicles was opened on the Bracco in 1823. During the stagecoach era, travelers stopped at the Ameghino inn, known as Davidin, to change horses, refresh themselves and, if necessary, spend the night. The inn thus represents a stopping place in the history of the pass and of travel at that time. The Roman road, the Via del Bracco and the road for wheeled vehicles opened in 1823 belong to different historical periods at Bracco.

Panorama and Historic Mountain Pass Roads

From Bracco, the panorama extends to Castiglione Chiavarese, Campegli and Frascati, as well as to the Santuario di Velva on the opposite Apennine coast. In a letter dated 7 August 1827, Alessandro Manzoni described the panorama he saw while passing through Bracco.

The panoramic road to Moneglia first leads to the Passo del Bracco and then descends via two provincial roads. Near the old road junction beyond the ridge of Monte San Nicolao at Bracco, historic turnoffs from the Passo del Bracco connect with the Via del Sale and this historic route. The transition from the pass summit to the subsequent descent defines the described road route to Moneglia.

Connections within the Municipality

Within the municipality, AMT buses connect Moneglia with Sestri Levante and Deiva Marina. These bus connections also serve all the outlying settlements.

Festa di San Rocco al Bracco in August 2026

The Festa di San Rocco al Bracco takes place from 14 August to 16 August 2026. The period covers three consecutive days in August.

Other places to discover include Portofino, Valbrevenna, Sori, Orero, Favale Di Malvaro, Prati, Arenzano and Genoa.

To the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.