Art and culture
Camogli is in itself a work of art, its typically Liguria-colored houses, the small port with the fishermen, the small village with flowers on the balconies and the clothes hanging out, all in harmony just like in a painting.
There is everything in Camogli, you can live and build your itinerary to discover tradition based on your passions: savor the cuisine, visit the maritime museum, the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, Castel Dragone and participate in events. You just have to choose.
The Maritime Museum Gio Bono Ferrari
Founded by Gio Bono Ferrari in 1937, the maritime museum is named after its founder and is located on the street bearing the same name near the historic center of the town.
The collection, which highlights the importance of Camogli’s seafaring heritage, consists of objects dedicated to the nautical world, from the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte (1797–1815) to the First World War.
Relics, scale models of sailing ships and vessels, nautical navigation instruments, as well as old prints and paintings from that period, along with original manuscripts of the Statute of the Maritime Mutual Insurance of Camogli (founded in 1853), Risorgimento memorabilia, and letters belonging to Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Expedition of the Thousand.
Castel Dragone
Built in the Middle Ages, in the 13th century, Castel Dragone, also known as the Castle of Dragonara, derives its popular name from the term “Dragonaria,” meaning “storm air vortex,” referring to its position overlooking the sea, often exposed to storms and rough seas. It dominates the farthest edge of Camogli, offering wonderful views.
Constructed as a lookout fortress to defend the ancient village and the surrounding coastline from Turkish-Barbary pirate raids, it features a terrace with a very evocative view of the sea and the town.
At the entrance stands an open space where two 16th-century cannons welcome visitors, dating from the period when the castle’s defensive role was strengthened. Today it hosts exhibitions and art shows.
The Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 12th century, stands on what was once the ancient medieval island — the heart of the village. In ancient times, political and religious life took place here; today it is the symbol of Camogli.
It can be reached from the small square of the nearby harbor by climbing a large staircase. The exterior façade is simple, contrasting with the richly decorated baroque interior of three naves, with gold finishes, crystal chandeliers, polychrome marble, and many candles.
The ceiling and side chapels contain sculptural and pictorial works by artists of the Genoese school, such as Nicolò Barabino and Francesco Semino, while the main altar was created by Andrea Casareggio.
If visited when all the lights are on, between the crystal chandeliers and candles, the atmosphere is truly evocative and gives a great sense of peace.
The Social Theatre of Camogli
The Camogli Theatre was inaugurated on September 30, 1876, thanks to the initiative of 60 local bourgeois families who had made their fortune at sea when Camogli was one of the greatest maritime powers of the time.
Designed by architect Salvatore Bruno, the Social Theatre features a traditional Italian horseshoe-shaped layout, with four tiers of boxes and a gallery.
It is a real gem, completely restored with attention to detail, refined decorations, excellent lighting, and outstanding acoustics.
With over 400 seats between the stalls and boxes, the Social Theatre of Camogli offers a varied and engaging program of theatrical and musical performances, to be enjoyed in a venue that is itself an extraordinary architectural masterpiece.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Boschetto
On the hill overlooking the center of Camogli stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Boschetto, which for centuries has been a place of worship kept alive with constant devotion and care.
Camogli, also known as “the city of a thousand white sailing ships,” has dedicated the sanctuary to its sailors, leaving tangible testimony in a collection of maritime votive offerings.
This collection of ex-votos at the Sanctuary of Boschetto represents a set of great importance for its thematic and chronological consistency and for the wealth of information it provides about 19th-century Camogli — its social, economic, naval, and cultural aspects.
Niccolò Cuneo Library
The Niccolò Cuneo Civic Library was inaugurated in 1948 and, since 1963, has been located in Via Gio Bono Ferrari, where it houses over 56,500 volumes.
OPENING TIMES
From January 1st to June 30th and from October 1st to December 31st
Tuesday 14:30 – 18:00
Wednesday 9:30 – 17:30
Thursday 9:30 – 17:30
Saturday 9:00 – 12:00
Monday – Friday – Sunday closed
From October to May: the first Wesnesday of the month the library closes at 4PM for the initiative “Nati per leggere”
The Archaeological Room
The Archaeological Room displays a collection of archaeological finds discovered in the “Castellaro” area, a natural rocky outcrop about 70 meters high overlooking the sea. From the archaeological excavation campaign conducted over six years starting in 1969, ceramic fragments, loom weights, spindle whorls, animal bones, and remains of burnt wood were uncovered.
The dating of the artifacts, between the 12th and 13th centuries BC, demonstrates the existence of huts and the first forms of life of the original settlement of Camogli, the Liguri Casmonati, a civilization devoted to agricultural and pastoral activities.
Also on display are fragments from the late Republican Roman period (2nd–1st century BC), which testify to the importance of the Camogli settlement in trade along the Via Aurelia and by sea.
JOURNEY THROUGH TASTE
Camogli offers a real journey through flavors: various kinds of places where you can find a wide variety of alternatives to discover Ligurian cuisine, from fish dishes to the famous focaccia, prepared and enriched with the most delicious ingredients, olives, onions, pesto, and the famous cheese focaccia. Not to be forgotten are the dishes most loved by the people of Camogli: the capponadda typical of San Rocco, the versatile anchovies, and the pansoti with walnut sauce.
Strolling through the alleyways you are inebriated by the inviting scents of bakeries and focaccerie that always churn out hot focaccia at all hours: perfect consumed on the beach, as a snack, lunch or dinner; once you taste it you will not forget it.
For those who love good food, there is plenty to choose from among cafes and restaurants.
From the cafés along the promenade, perfect for pleasant aperitifs in the late afternoon, after spending a day on the beach or hiking, to the most characteristic restaurants in the alleys of the little village, to those in the marina, with a view of the colorful gozzo boats.
Everything will be even tastier if eaten enveloped in the magical atmosphere of Camogli.