Discover Moconesi: Churches, Trails and Ligurian Traditions

Moconesi brings together sacred sites, historic trails and festivals featuring regional cuisine. Churches, sanctuaries, landscape features and local customs can be found in specific places such as Gattorna, Ferrada and Moconesi Alto.

Sanctuary and Art in Gattorna

The “Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia” is located in Gattorna, within the municipality of Moconesi. The present building dates back to 1721, when the original structure was extensively expanded. Inside is a 16th-century triptych attributed to Vespasiano. The “Polimuseo del giocattolo e naturalistico di Gattorna” also commemorates the local tradition of toy merchants. In Gattorna, religious art and the local tradition of toy merchants come together.

Church Architecture and Further Works of Art

The “Chiesa Parrocchiale del Sacro Cuore di Gesù” was officially opened for worship on September 12, 1909, and consecrated on February 28, 1916, by Bishop Giovanni Gamberoni of the Diocese of Chiavari. The “Chiesa Parrocchiale di S. Margherita Moconesi Alto” had already been elevated to the status of a rectory church in the 13th century. It houses a 16th-century triptych depicting Saint Margaret of Antioch among saints. The two triptychs thus belong to different sacred contexts: one is attributed to Vespasiano, while the other depicts Saint Margaret of Antioch among saints.

Historic Trails and Landscape

The “Itinerario Storico Colombiano” begins in Terrarossa in Moconesi and runs for 19 km to Nervi and Quinto. The route is also known as the “sentiero del pane.” The 19 km provide a defined spatial framework for individual travel planning.

The “Itinerario Colombiano” passes through a landscape shaped by human activity, with old houses, paths, terraces and dry-stone walls. By contrast, the “Monte Caucaso” SAC area, code IT1331811, has been little affected by human activity and includes beech woodland, springs, streams and well-preserved rocky habitats. The visible landscape features along the historic trail and the natural habitats in the mountain area therefore represent contrasting characteristics of these locations.

Festivals and Regional Cuisine

At the “Festa di San Giacomo – Sagra del Raviolo” in Gattorna, ravioli prepared according to traditional recipes are served. At the “Festa Sant'Anna” in Ferrada, typical regional dishes, including Ligurian specialties, are prepared and offered to attendees. The “Festa di Sant'Anna,” held in July at the “Abbazia Sant'Anna,” also includes a Mass and a procession carrying the image of the saint. The festivals therefore have different focuses: in Gattorna, the emphasis is on the ravioli tradition; in Ferrada, on regional cuisine; and at Abbazia Sant'Anna, on the religious celebrations.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also include Leivi, Borzonasca, Masone, Pieve Ligure, Campo Ligure, Savignone, Ne and Casarza Ligure in your itinerary.

For the main travel overview: Genoa.