Attractions of Chiavari

Chiavari historic center

You will have the opportunity to lose yourself among the narrow alleys, known as the caruggi of Chiavari, on a path of about 3 km embellished with medieval arcades, ancient churches, monuments, and historic buildings.

You will come across colorful craft workshops and historic places that offer the chance to discover some unique aspects of the city, such as the 16th-century waxworks or the workshop of a carver who still makes figureheads for boats.

As you stroll through the city center, through arcades, and over mosaic-painted floors, you will also encounter many old business premises, such as a 19th-century jewelry store with perfectly preserved wooden doors.

Church of St. John the Baptist

Continuing your visit through the streets of Chiavari’s historic center, you will arrive without difficulty at Piazza San Giovanni Battista, where the parish church of the same name is located.

The building is also known as the Shrine of the Black Christ and was founded in 1181. Inside you can see a striking wooden crucifix with a very dark color.

According to legend, the Chiesa dei Disciplinati was destroyed by flames in 1600 and only the crucifix was saved: it is said that no one managed to clean it by completely removing the blackness from the fire.

Rocca Palace

Adjacent to the wide Giacomo Matteotti Square, one of the city’s main squares, you can meet the Rocca Palace, surrounded by the Rocca Municipal Park.

It was built in 1630, commissioned by the Marquises Costaguta, and was later enlarged through the work of the Grimaldi family.

Since 1912, however, it has been owned by the municipality, and recently its park has been restored.

It is a perfect place for a relaxing break among the rich architectural elements and local flora. I also recommend visiting the old stables, which now house the Archaeological Museum and the Civic Gallery.

Shrine of Our Lady of the Garden

Continuing your visit to the city of Chiavari, another must-see destination is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Vegetable Garden, considered one of the most beautiful shrines in all of Liguria.

The monumental cathedral, located in the square of the same name, was built in 1613: later, a striking and impressive marble pronaos was built, designed by architect Luigi Poletti and completed in 1907.

Inside, the shrine still preserves a rich artistic heritage.

The Castle of Chiavari

Leaving the city center, via a stepped climb, you can reach Chiavari Castle, located on a hill near the northern section of the ancient city walls.

It was erected in the 12th century and then, unfortunately, largely destroyed in the 16th century.

It has been privately owned since 1913, but can be admired from the outside.

Of the original building, mainly the keep and, on the opposite side, a fortified parade ground is still clearly visible.

In addition, in front of the tower, it is still possible to observe the old cisterns, which ensured water supplies for the castle’s inhabitants in case of siege.

The seaside promenade

Parallel to the beach, an attractive promenade runs along the waterfront for about 2 km. This is a great place to walk, run and take leisurely breaks at one of the area’s typical small restaurants.

Shrine of Our Lady of Grace

Moving away from the city and proceeding to about 200 meters above sea level, at the highest point of Aurelia Road, you will be amazed by a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace.

The building is very distinctive, overlooking the sea: it was built in the early 1400s and houses a cycle of frescoes from the 1500s inside, the most important of which, representing the Last Judgment, is a work by the artist Luca Cambiaso.

You can reach this place conveniently by car or on foot, with a walk of about 30 minutes starting at the back of the waterfront.

Chiavari Beach

There are essentially five beaches in Chiavari: the spiaggione (former colony) is the largest and easiest to reach, ideal for sunbathing in serenity; then there are two small central beaches halfway down the promenade, a beach under the marina, and finally the nudist beach.