History and attractions of Bonassola

Source wikipedia.org

Bonassola is located in one of the bays of the eastern coast of Liguria (Riviera di Levante). It is surrounded by hills with pine groves and terraces of vineyards and olive trees. On both sides of the bay of Bonassola are two high capes: Cape Levanto (east) and Cape Madonna (west).

The first official mention of Bonassola is found in a document dated April 29, 1269, which refers about the church of St. George the Victorious in Regimonti village. In another document, dated April 21, 1277, two local residents of Bonassola are mentioned for the first time. The historical document, dating back to the 13th century, testifies about the strong development of the seafaring tradition in Bonassola. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the city had an large fleet that sailed in Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. A financial document from 1531 confirms that the prosperity of the municipality was directly linked to the sea, as well as to the production of wine and olive oil and the cultivation of chestnuts. During this period there is a significant expansion of the town and population growth. Both of these phenomena stopped in the second half of the sixteenth century due to the frequent pirate raids. During Napoleon's Italian campaign (1796-1797), the municipality needed to supply the French army with food.

In 1815, the commune was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1861, after the consolidation of Italy, Bonassola became part of the Kingdom of Italy. From 1859 to 1927 the territory belonged to the Province of Genoa, and since 1923, with the formation of the Province of La Spezia,  Bonassola became part of it. The building of the Genoa-La Spezia railroad line in the XIX century was end to the centuries-long isolation of the city. The emergence of road and railway links with other towns in Eastern Liguria caused the economic growth of the municipality. The discovery of a marble vein, which occurred by chance in 1832 during the building of one of the roads, led to the development of an industry for the extraction of this material. On October 25, 2011, Bonassola was severely damaged during the largest flooding in Liguria.

Monuments and attractions

Religious architecture

The parish church of St. Catherine of Alexandria. According to some sources, it was built in the first half of the 16th century, but it was almost completely rebuilt in the following centuries, with the greatest changes in the Baroque period.

The church was consecrated on July 8, 1668 by the Bishop of Luni, Giovanni Battista Spinola. The church contains works by artists Pietro Costa, Antonio Discovolo, Giovanni Battista Carlone and pupils of the famous Genoese sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano.

The former oratory of St. Erasmus. It built at the beginning of the 16th century. The oratory was the residence of the Fraternity of the same name, as well as a meeting place for the fishermen of Bonassola.

After the desecration, it was used as a museum, and conferences and exhibitions were held in its hall. During the Second World War, the oratory was used by soldiers as a shelter, which caused permanent damage. In the faux marble altar, a painting depicting the Madonna and Child, St. Joseph and angels has been preserved.

Chapel of the Madonna of the Cape.

It was built in the western part of Bonassola Bay, ordered by the Poggia family at the end of the XVIII century.

In 1932, the chapel was restored to the design of the artist Orlando Grosso and an arched gallery (arcade) was added.

- The parish church of St. Peter in the village of Montaretto.

- Oratory of St. Roch in the village of Montaretto. It was the residence of the Fraternity of the same name, whose members had to gather for prayer every Sunday, wearing white hoods. Nearby was an orphanage for the poor and pilgrims, partly funded by the Brotherhood.

- Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary in the village of Regimonti. The exact date of construction is unknown. It was probably built between 1298 and 1310.

- The Church of St. George in the village of San Giorgio. It was built in the second half of the 16th century. Inside there are preserved paintings and sculptures of the XVIII century.

City architecture

Farina Palace.

It is a classic 18th century palace decorated with Genoese-style paintings and white marble balustrade.

Palazzo Paganetto.

It was built in the XVIII century by order of the Paganetto shipowners. The building is decorated with paintings and has a gallery of three arches.

- Palazzo Vinzoni. The building was built at the end of the XVI century. According to the plaque on the facade of the building, Matteo Vinzoni, the famous cartographer of the Republic of Genoa, lived here.

- Saporiti Paganetto Palace. It was built in the XVIII century.

- The tower-house of the XVI century.

Fortifications

The increasing attacks of pirates forced the inhabitants of Bonassola at February 23, 1557 to raise the issue of the building of defensive structures. After another attack in 1560 and 1561, they finally laid the foundations for a tower on the harbour. On December 12, 1561, the report on the possible building of the castle was submitted to the Senate of the Genoese Republic, which decided to build the fortification on the hill behind the town. In the nineteenth century, when the castle's defensive properties were no longer necessary, it was transformed into a small cemetery.

Interesting places

Salto della Lepre (Hare's Leap cape) is a great viewpoint for seeing the coast.

A World War I bunker has been preserved here.

- Punta del Carlino (Cape Carlino).

- The historic village of Montaretto.

- The historic village of Regimonti.
- Valle Santa.
- La Francesca is a coastal area known since the 13th century for its copper mines. In the Middle Ages, the most important pilgrimage road to France, Canterbury and Santiago de Compostela passed through here.

- Rocce Rosse ("Red Rocks") - a wild beach surrounded by red marble cliffs.

- Grotta Azzurra is a picturesque grotto near Sca beach.

Museums

Bonassola is home to the Antonio Discovolo Gallery of Modern Art.

Festivals

In June, Bonassol celebrates the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. On this day the streets of the city are decorated with flowers. Markets, festivities and entertainment are organized.

In August, on the night of Ferragosto there is a student festival "L'Ucca", where the most eccentric resident of the city is chosen.

On the first Sunday of October, the Feast of the Virgin Mary Rosary is held with a solemn procession starting at the Chapel of the Madonna of the Cape and finishing at the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The celebration finishes with a large fireworks display on the beach.