Discover Lorsica: Damask, Weaving and Trails

Lorsica combines a weaving tradition cultivated for centuries with trails through untouched mountain landscapes. If you are looking for a place with a distinctive cultural character and varied opportunities for walks or cycling tours during your trip to Italy, you will encounter textile history, church art and nature in close thematic proximity here. For centuries, Lorsica has been known for weaving precious silk fabrics, including damask, lampas, taffeta, shantung and macramé.

Damask and Patterns as a Defining Tradition

This tradition is particularly vividly illustrated at the Figli di Demartini Giuseppe manufactory. It preserves more than 300 exclusive patterns that have been passed down within the family since the 16th century. The Demartini family has been continuously weaving precious textiles since 1500. At the same time, the production area of Damaschi e Tessuti di Lorsica encompasses only the municipality of Lorsica.

The damask produced in Lorsica is prized for its radiance, the precision of its patterns, and the strength and density of its weave. When visiting, it is therefore worth paying attention not only to the long history of weaving, but also to the fabrics’ artisanal qualities.

Museum and Church

The Museo del Damasco di Lorsica displays tools for the manual processing of the precious yarn, as well as a gallery of damask and lampas fabrics that are still produced today by the only remaining company. The Museo del Damasco has no architectural barriers, providing clear and readily describable structural orientation for your visit.

The present-day Santa Maria Annunciata church is also connected with the local textile history. It was built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries and partly reconstructed on the site of the previous parish church. Inside, red damask fabrics with a palm motif adorn the church; they were donated by local weavers.

Walks and Mountain Landscapes

For active days, Route 58 of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri begins in Lorsica. Monte Ramaceto is a destination for walks in every season, including winter. Historic paths near Lorsica lead through untouched mountain landscapes with small ravines, rocks and trees. The water has shaped rocks there and created natural pools and slides.

Monte Ramaceto overlooks Lorsica from the southwest and is regarded as the town’s protecting mountain. Its relationship with Lorsica gives the landscape a recognizable spatial orientation, while the historic paths connect the natural environment with a slower, more observant way of travelling.

A Challenge for Experienced Cyclists

The surrounding area can also be explored thematically by bicycle. The 33-kilometre Ciclovia dell’Ardesia runs between Lavagna and Gattorna along the Torrente Lavagna. From Monleone, a climb leads towards Lorsica and is considered a challenge for experienced cyclists. The route length and the described nature of the climb help you assess cycling plans realistically according to your personal fitness.

Weaving Tour

A visit to Tessitura DeMartini and its showroom at Via Scaletta 78, 16045 Lorsica Genova, can be arranged by contacting Stefania DeMartini at +39 393 8653643. This allows you to include textile production, the museum and the town’s special fabrics in your individual travel plans.

Further destinations for your planning: Serra Riccò, Prato, Borzonasca, Mignanego, Lavagna, Favale Di Malvaro, Portofino, Sori

For the overarching travel overview: Genoa.