Testana between church art and hillside landscapes

Hillside setting and surroundings

Testana Chiesa is located halfway up the slope on the left side of the Rio Arbora, a tributary of the Recco. The area around Testana is dotted with olive groves overlooking the sea. This gives the two landscape features distinct settings: the church is situated on a hillside by the river, while the olive groves in the surrounding area offer views of the sea.

Church of Santa Margherita

The Church of Santa Margherita Vergine e Martire was built in the 17th century and traces its origins to an older chapel on the slope of Monte Cornua. Inside the church is a wooden high relief depicting the story of the Crucifixion of Christ, attributed to a 16th-century Flemish school of art. There is also a painting of the Circumcision of Christ by Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari. The high relief and the painting differ both in medium and subject: the former focuses on the Crucifixion, the latter on the Circumcision of Christ.

Art and historical context

The Retablo di Testana is dated to 1510–1515 and depicts scenes from the Passion. It is considered emblematic of the presence of northern European wooden artworks in the Ligurian area. In chronological terms, the Retablo is dated earlier than the church, which was built in the 17th century. Its dating and the church’s construction period therefore offer different historical perspectives.

The Testana T1 archaeological site is interpreted as a rural settlement of Late Antiquity. This interpretation adds another historical focus alongside the religious art and church building. For a trip with an interest in cultural history, Testana thus brings together sacred artworks, a dated church building, and an interpretation of a Late Antique settlement.

Bus and paths for planning

The seasonal bus route 872 connects Recco, Testana, and Serro. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can factor the connection into your trip planning.

The path from Molino Nuovo to Testana runs along trails between olive trees and dry-stone walls. As trail conditions can change, check their current state before setting off.

A mountain bike route passes through Testana and reaches the ridge of Monte Cornua via a rideable but very steep mule track. October 2020 is recorded as the last time this route was ridden; check current trail conditions before riding. By comparison, the path from Molino Nuovo is characterised by olive trees and dry-stone walls, while the mountain bike route includes the very steep mule track to the ridge.

Cultural history or paths as your focus

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Testana, base your choice on which focus matters more to you: church art and historical context, or landscape and paths. The dates of the church and the Retablo, as well as the different characteristics of the routes, give you specific points of reference for distinguishing between these interests for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mele, Chiàvari, Pedemonte, Savignone, Gaiazza, San Lorenzo della Costa, Rossiglione, Pieve Ligure

For the main travel overview: Genoa.