San Lorenzo della Costa: Art, History and Trails
Accommodation in San Lorenzo della Costa
San Lorenzo della Costa can be explored through several historical layers and its varied landscapes. The parish has existed since around the 13th century; the “Trittico Fiammingo di Sant'Andrea” dates from 1499. There are also traces of a Roman settlement along the Via Aurelia, an old mule track and walking trails through the countryside. If you plan your trip around specific interests, art history, historic routes and trail routes can help you find your way.
Art, the Parish and Connections with Flanders
The “Trittico Fiammingo di Sant'Andrea” is a work of the Flemish school dating from 1499. As a triptych, it is divided into a central panel and two side panels: the center depicts the “Martirio di S. Andrea,” while the panels depict “Nozze di Cana” and “Risurrezione di Lazzaro.” The parish of San Lorenzo della Costa has existed since around the 13th century. Two different ways of dating therefore sit side by side: a parish dating back to around the 13th century and a work of art with the specific date 1499.
The Sentiero dei Fiamminghi offers another perspective. It uses two Flemish paintings to explain the economic and commercial relations that existed between the Republic of Genoa and Flanders over the centuries. Alongside the individual work of art, it also brings the history of exchange between these regions into view.
Roman Traces and Historic Routes
The Via Aurelia is associated with archaeological traces of a Roman settlement. The church of San Lorenzo della Costa stands on the original Via Aurelia. The Torre di San Gioachino served a different historic route function: it was a watchtower on the old mule track. The two landmarks therefore have distinct connections: the Via Aurelia is associated with traces of a Roman settlement and the church’s location, while the tower is associated with an old mule track.
The Ridge and the Two Valleys
The ridge that runs through San Lorenzo della Costa separates the Santa Margherita valley from the Rapallo valley. It provides a geographical reference point for two distinct valleys and complements the area’s historical landmarks with a landscape perspective.
Walking Trails and Navigation
The “Sentiero da Santa Margherita a San Lorenzo della Costa” is an ancient walking trail with an estimated walking time of about 30 minutes. It ends in San Lorenzo della Costa, on the road, right beside the turnoff to Santa Margherita. The duration is approximate, and local trail conditions may change. Check conditions before setting out.
Another trail runs through the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino, crossing the countryside from Dolcina to San Lorenzo della Costa. The two trail descriptions emphasize different details: the ancient walking trail comes with an estimated walking time and endpoint, while the park route is described as running through Dolcina. For planning purposes, the key points are different: time and endpoint for one trail, and the route through the landscape for the other.
Patron Saint Celebrations 2025
The patron saint celebrations took place from August 8 to 10, 2025. The program included dance evenings, food stalls, fireworks and religious celebrations. The dates and program details refer to this edition. If you want to plan your trip around an event date, check the dates and program details for the year in question.
Discover more destinations: Casà, Montebruno, Sant'olcese, San Salvatore, Velva, Casella, Carasco, Busalla.
Return to the broader travel guide: Genoa.
