Moneglia: Beach, Architectural History and Nature Trails

Moneglia combines a narrow sandy beach with historic architecture, nature trails in the hills and activities along the rocky coast. The town offers several distinct points of interest when choosing a destination: the beach and promenade, architectural and art history, and trails and sea activities. You can weigh up which of these aspects matters most to you by considering the specific places and topics.

Beach and Historic Town Centre

Spiaggia di Moneglia is a narrow, approximately 1 km-long sandy beach with coarse-grained sand. It lies at the foot of the historic centre and runs parallel to the seafront promenade. The beach can be accessed from several points, including the panoramic Lungomare Dante Alighieri road and the entrances along Corso Libero Longhi at the foot of the town.

Architectural History and Works of Art

Castello di Villafranca was built in 1173 by Genoese military master builders as a watchtower on the hill east of Moneglia. Its panoramic position offers a view across the entire curve of the gulf. The castle’s permanent exhibition, “Munegia antiga,” displays historical records of the town as well as numerous old objects related to fishing, agriculture, weaving, woodworking and other crafts.

The tower can be reached via a gentle staircase, which has a few higher steps in its upper section. The Oratorio dei Disciplinanti is also accessed by a staircase.

Chiesa di San Giorgio dates back to the 15th century. The monastery and the two cloisters adjoining the church took on their present form around 1600. The dates therefore refer to different aspects: the origins of the church and the later form of the monastery and cloisters.

The works preserved here include the wooden group of figures “San Giorgio e il Drago,” from the school of Maragliano, and a polyptych dedicated to Saint Lawrence by Giovanni da Pisa, dating from the late 14th century to the first years of the 15th century. Also on display is a polyptych dedicated to Saint Louis of Toulouse, created by Giovanni Barbagelata in the early years of the 16th century, as well as “L’adorazione dei Magi” by Luca Cambiaso. The upper vault of the presbytery also features the painting “San Giorgio che uccide il drago,” attributed to Rubens.

Nature Trails, Climbing and Diving

There are numerous nature trails in the hills around Moneglia. The Sentiero Liguria passes through the historic centre and its old Caruggi lanes. A trail branches off the route towards the rocks of Punta Moneglia: high above the sea, they are a destination for sport climbers. The route and its branch thus connect two distinct features of the area: the old lanes in the centre and the coastal climbing area.

There are climbing walls along certain sections of the rocky coast. The seabed also offers plenty to interest diving enthusiasts, particularly along the rocky shoreline.

A Local Fish Appetizer

Scabeggio is a typical Moneglia fish-based appetizer. Alongside architecture and outdoor activities, this local dish is another topic you can explore when discovering Moneglia.

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