Moneglia is a romantic ligurian sea village. Encircled by wooded hills, the town seems to be a small oasis in a world of its own, far away from the tourist track. In Moneglia you’ll realise that cars aren’t always the fastest means of transport, and that travelling by train is more than just a romantic alternative; the truth is that many destinations in Liguria are more easily reached by train, as the railway tracks run right through the hills in narrow tunnels. Sestri Levante and other sea-side towns are only minutes from Moneglia by train.
But if you still prefer to come by car, yodcaratioose-between a narrow road that twists and turns from the famous Via Aurelia to the sea between Moneglia and Sestri Levante, through a wonderful landscape of farmed terraces, olive groves and isolated country houses in Moneglia’s outlying districts, or a road running along the coast through a series of narrow, one-way tunnels where the railway tracks used to be, offering breath-taking views of the cliffs over the sea between tunnels. Once you arrive in Moneglia, you will be amazed by the marvellous sandy beaches. You can choose a public beach or a private beach where sunbeds and sun umbrellas are available for rental. Every year since 1990 Moneglia has been awarded “bandiera blu” status for the excellent quality of its water.
After a relaxing day on the beach, visit the town centre, with its “carruggi”, running parallel to the sea. The doorways in the old town are made of slate, traditionally used to decorate villas in the area. The Lemeglio and Bracco districts on the hills above the gulf of Moneglia offer fantastic views; both of these areas can be reached by public transport, and they are ideal holiday destinations for visitors who want tranquillity without giving up comfort. These unique locations offer wonderful views over the green basin of the gulf of Li-guria, and on clear days you may even see the island of Corsica.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:
Oratory of the Disciplinanti: built around the year 1000, the oratorio contains valuable frescos, recently restored.
S.Croce Church: Already in existence in 1130, the church collapsed in 1725 and was rebuilt in Baroque style. It was consecrated in 1894. It contains a statue repre-senting the Immaculate Conception by Maragliano, the Byzantine cross and a “Last Supper” by the school of Cambiaso.
S. Giorgio Church: Built during the 14th century in Gothic style, the church was restored and transformed in 1800. It preserves a number of artworks: polyptychs by Giovanni da Pisa (15th century) and Barbagelata (16th century), the “Adoration of the three kings” by Luca Cambiaso, a painting portraying S. Giorgio (probably by Rubens), a “Circumcision” by Piola and “S. Francesco Saverio” by Carloni. A Franciscan Cloister stands next to the church.
Villafranca Tower: Probably built by the Genoese in 1176. It has been tampered with, damaged and rebuilt over the centuries; bombed in World War II, it was recently restored and now offers meeting rooms, gardens and a wonderful view.
Monleone Fortress: The ruins of a fortress dating from 1173 are situated on the west side of the town. Nearby is a little castle built in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style of architect Gino Coppedè.
