Leivi: Olive Groves, Hiking Trail and Churches

Leivi combines a cultural landscape shaped by olive groves, terraces and dry-stone walls with historic churches and buildings. When planning your trip, you can choose from different areas of interest: a longer circular route, the history of the religious buildings, or the characteristic landscape. If you are looking for hotels in Leivi, you can decide which focus should shape your stay based on your interests.

The Sentiero Le 5 torri

The Sentiero Le 5 torri is a circular route from Chiavari over the Leivi ridge and through Maxena and San Pier di Canne, returning to Chiavari. When planning your hike, you can use its T/E difficulty rating, 250 metres of ascent and approximate duration of five hours as a guide. The time is an estimate; together with the elevation gain, it can help you gauge the scope of the route.

The trail’s name refers to a medieval tower and four bell towers that you will encounter along the route. In this way, the route combines its course with a glimpse into the area’s architectural history. Those interested in historic towers and bell towers will find a particular perspective on the Sentiero; those who would rather focus on the landscape can follow its route along the ridge.

Churches and historic buildings

The Torre Difensiva di Avvistamento is a defensive and observation tower dating from the 16th century, and it still shapes Leivi’s panorama today. The Ponte vecchio sul torrente Lavagna is also one of the town’s historic buildings: the bridge dates from the 16th century. Both structures offer a tangible connection to Leivi’s past, without requiring a shared sightseeing route.

Chiesa San Rufino stands on a historic route connecting Ri Alto in Chiavari with Bocco di Leivi. It was restored between the 17th and 18th centuries and has retained its architectural structure to this day. San Tommaso del Curlo was already a parish in the 13th century. The present-day church was rebuilt from the early years of the 17th century onwards, after it had been gifted 25 relics of Roman martyr saints.

Chiesa di S. Lorenzo houses an 18th-century altarpiece by Giuseppe Romei. Local historians consider the church to be one of Leivi’s oldest religious buildings; it is also situated in a scenic spot. Chiesa S. Terenziano has a single nave and an adjoining bell tower. Its chapel most likely dates from before the 17th century. Chiesa San Michele Arcangelo was formerly known as the Priory of San Michele del Bosco.

The dates span from the chapel, which most likely predates the 17th century, to 16th-century buildings and later restorations. Together with the history of San Tommaso del Curlo, the individual sites reflect different stages of development. The altarpiece at S. Lorenzo adds a specific connection to art to these architectural and historical themes.

Olive Groves, Terraces and Views

Olive groves are Leivi’s most extensive crop by area. Together with terraces and dry-stone walls, the olive trees shape the area’s distinctive landscape. A road through Leivi offers changing views towards the Portofino peninsula. For those interested in Leivi, this means that alongside churches and historic buildings, the landscape shaped by olive growing is also one of the area’s distinct features.

At the Premio Leivi, visitors can discover high-quality extra virgin olive oils. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Valbrevenna, Tessi, Casarza Ligure, Mele, Sestri Levante, Serra Riccò, Genoa, Pieve Ligure

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