Bracco: Historic Routes, Panoramas and Nature in Liguria

Bracco in Liguria combines nature, historic transport routes and far-reaching panoramic views. If you would like to experience cultural history and landscape together on a trip to Italy, the main points of interest range from the Deiva–Bracco–Pietra di Vasca–Mola Special Area of Conservation (SAC), through the Cappella di San Rocco, to the old roads around Bracco.

Protected Area and Views across the Apennines

The Deiva–Bracco–Pietra di Vasca–Mola area is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) within the Natura 2000 network in Liguria. It contains priority habitats as well as, among other species, Charaxes jasius and Santolina ligustica. For those interested in nature, this is a place where an interest in biodiversity can be combined with a landscape suited to walks and hikes. Bracco can therefore be viewed as a destination for travel planning in which nature observation has a place alongside cultural history.

From Bracco, the panorama extends as far as Castiglione Chiavarese, Campegli and Frascati, as well as the Santuario di Velva on the opposite Apennine coast. The panorama adds a geographical perspective to the historic routes.

The Cappella di San Rocco

Just outside Bracco, the Cappella di San Rocco stands along a pilgrimage route. It was rebuilt around 1690–1700 on the ruins of an older chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. Despite several later renovations, it retains its original floor plan; its architecture still displays features that were customary in the 17th century.

Roman Road and Historic Transport Routes

Bracco lies on the ancient Roman road Luni-Boron-Velleia. The Via del Bracco is identified with the Aurelia, and a road suitable for wheeled vehicles was opened on Bracco in 1823. The Roman road and the carriage road opened in 1823 thus mark different stages in the history of transport.

During the stagecoach era, travellers stopped at the Ameghino (Davidin) inn to change horses, refresh themselves and, if necessary, spend the night. In a letter dated 7 August 1827, Alessandro Manzoni described the panorama he had seen while passing through Bracco. The historic journey across Bracco thus appears both as a practical crossing and as an experience of the landscape.

Panoramic Road and Routes in the Surrounding Area

The panoramic road to Moneglia first leads to the Passo del Bracco and then descends via two provincial roads. Historic turn-offs from the Passo del Bracco section of the Via del Sale are connected with this historic route near the old road junction beyond the ridge of Monte San Nicolao at Bracco.

Date and Connections via Moneglia

In connection with the host municipality, AMT buses connect Moneglia with Sestri Levante, Deiva Marina and all the local districts. The Festa di San Rocco al Bracco is listed as an event taking place between 14 and 16 August 2026.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

More destinations for your travel planning include Ruta, Tessi, Casella, Sant'olcese, Santa Margherita Ligure, Moconesi, Tiglieto and Casarza Ligure.

For the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.