Holiday apartment in Lavagna: Slate Culture, Coast and Culinary Delights

Lavagna combines the coast, historic townscapes and the culture of slate with distinctive festivals and enjoyable discoveries. A long sandy beach, medieval arcades, paths along the Entella and evidence of Ligurian art and everyday history shape Lavagna.

Holiday apartment in Lavagna for culture and special experiences

In the historic centre, medieval arcades and colourful houses characterise the townscape. Torre del Borgo houses a collection of slate works by the sculptor Francesco Dallorso, who came from Lavagna. The tower also houses the Rodolfo Alloisio archaeological collection.

Sacred art is also among Lavagna’s distinctive impressions. The Basilica di Santo Stefano preserves a painting by Domenico Piola depicting the risen Christ, Saint Nicholas and Saint Stephen. The Oratorio della Santissima Trinità contains wooden processional crosses, including works by Maragliano and his school. These crosses are used during major summer processions.

Lavagna’s Cimitero Monumentale is regarded as an open-air museum. Ornate tombs, remarkable statues and architecturally outstanding chapels give this place its distinctive character. Casa Carbone is a house museum preserving the atmosphere of everyday life in a Ligurian family between the 19th and 20th centuries. Seasonal visits to Casa Carbone were scheduled at set times; on other days, visits were only possible by prior arrangement.

Beach, cycle path and the slate carriers’ trails

Lavagna has a long sandy beach and an important marina. For active holiday days, there are trekking routes along the paths of the slate carriers. Another option is the Ciclovia dell’ardesia: the 33-kilometre cycle path begins on Lavagna’s seafront promenade and follows the Entella River.

The section of the Ciclovia dell’ardesia to Rivarola passes through the Entella nature oasis. It is flat, lit and fully paved. The route can be explored as a shorter stage to Rivarola or along its entire 33-kilometre length.

Festival tradition and flavours from Lavagna

The Torta dei Fieschi is part of the local festival tradition. Since 1949, the event on 14 August has included a historic procession in medieval costumes through Lavagna, ending at Torre Fieschi. The event’s characteristic dessert was developed by Lavagna’s historic pastry shops. More than ten quintals of Torta dei Fieschi are distributed every year during the event. The olive oil also has a distinctive local connection: Lavagna is known for olive oil bearing the designation “lavagnine”.

Holiday days in Lavagna can be planned around different interests: sandy beaches, the old town, slate culture, religious art, regional specialities or paths along the Entella.

Further destinations for orientation

Gaiazza, Casanova, Nervi, Campo Ligure, Montebruno, Santa Margherita Ligure, Castiglione Chiavarese, Casarza Ligure

For the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.