Leivi Among Towers, Churches and Olive Groves

Leivi combines a scenic landscape with historic religious buildings and extensive olive groves. Dry-stone walls, churches and changing views towards the Portofino Peninsula characterize the landscape of the municipality.

Hiking on the Sentiero Le 5 torri

The Sentiero Le 5 torri is a circular route that leads from Chiavari over the Leivi ridge and through Maxena and San Pier di Canne back to Chiavari. The trail is classified as T/E, has an elevation gain of 250 metres and takes approximately five hours. Its name refers to a medieval tower and four bell towers encountered along the route.

Towers, Churches and Historic Trails

The Torre Difensiva di Avvistamento is a 16th-century defensive and observation tower in Leivi that still characterizes the panorama today. The Chiesa San Rufino stands along the historic route connecting Ri Alto in Chiavari with Bocco di Leivi. The Chiesa San Rufino was restored between the 17th and 18th centuries and still preserves its architectural structure.

San Tommaso del Curlo was already a parish in the 13th century. The present-day church was rebuilt from the early years of the 17th century onwards after it had been presented with 25 relics of Roman martyr saints. The Chiesa San Michele Arcangelo was formerly known as the San Michele del Bosco priory. The Chiesa di S. Lorenzo contains an altarpiece by Giuseppe Romei from the 18th century; local historians also consider it one of the oldest religious buildings in Leivi.

The Chiesa S. Terenziano has a single nave and an adjoining bell tower. Its chapel most likely dates from before the 17th century. The Ponte vecchio sul torrente Lavagna is a historic 16th-century bridge in Leivi.

Olive Groves and Views

Olive groves are Leivi’s most extensive crop by area. Terraces and dry-stone walls, together with the olive trees, shape Leivi’s characteristic landscape. A road through Leivi offers changing views towards the Portofino Peninsula. At the Premio Leivi, visitors can discover high-quality extra virgin olive oils.

Accessibility and Shuttle Bus

The Chiesa San Rufino is accessible and has a large car park. San Tommaso del Curlo can be reached via a municipal road and is also accessible to people with disabilities.

For a period from 13 July to 13 September, the municipality of Leivi offered a free summer shuttle bus from the sea to Leivi. The route reached Leivi Bocco and then continued via Via S. Rufino, Via dei Caduti and Via Miramare.

You can find further destinations for your trip to Italy under Comeglio, Genoa, Camogli, Vobbia, Savignone, Rossiglione, Mortola and Orero.

To the main travel overview: Genoa.