Lavagna: Old Town, Slate Heritage and Coast

Lavagna combines a historically rich center with a slate heritage, religious art and coastal features. The town is also known for the Torta dei Fieschi festival tradition and routes for cyclists and hikers.

Old Town, Collections and Sacred Art

The historic center is characterized by medieval arcades and colorful houses. Casa Carbone offers a different view of domestic life: this house museum preserves the atmosphere of a Ligurian family between the 19th and 20th centuries. Together, the two places show different aspects of Lavagna’s cultural heritage, from the architecture of the center to the family home.

The Torre del Borgo houses two collections. One features slate works by Francesco Dallorso, a sculptor from Lavagna; the tower also houses the Rodolfo Alloisio archaeological collection. Slate art and archaeology thus come together here, although the two collections do not cover the same subject.

Religious buildings also preserve specific works of art. The Basilica di Santo Stefano contains a painting by Domenico Piola depicting the risen Christ, Saint Nicholas and Saint Stephen. The Oratorio della Santissima Trinità preserves wooden processional crosses, including works by Maragliano and his school, which are used in major summer processions. The Cimitero Monumentale is considered an open-air museum; its features include ornate tombs, notable statues and architecturally distinguished chapels.

Torta dei Fieschi: Procession and Dessert

The Torta dei Fieschi connects Lavagna with an event tradition dating back to 1949. A historic procession takes place on August 14: it winds through Lavagna in medieval costumes and ends at the Torre Fieschi. The event’s signature dessert was created by Lavagna’s historic pastry shops. More than ten quintals of Torta dei Fieschi are distributed during the event each year. If you would like to plan your trip around the procession, check the event dates for the relevant year.

Coast, Cycle Route and Slate Carriers’ Paths

Lavagna’s coastal features include a long sandy beach and a major marina. One way to explore the surrounding area by bike is the 33-kilometer Ciclovia dell’ardesia. It starts on Lavagna’s seafront promenade and follows the Entella River. The section as far as Rivarola passes through the Entella nature reserve and is flat, illuminated and fully paved. These features apply to the section as far as Rivarola; the 33 kilometers describe the length of the entire cycle route.

For a different kind of activity, Lavagna has hiking trails along the paths used by slate carriers. Cycling and hiking are thus distinct options in the town’s profile, while its slate heritage is reflected both in the Torre del Borgo collections and in the name of these paths. The details about the Ciclovia’s length and surface do not automatically apply to the hiking trails.

Olive oil is also part of the local culinary profile: Lavagna is known for oil described as “lavagnine.” Alongside the Torta dei Fieschi, it adds a distinct connection to local food culture to the town’s cultural and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations: Vescina, Comeglio, Campomorone, Stibiveri, Borzonasca, Bracco, Bargone, Rossiglione.

For the regional travel overview: Genoa.