San Lorenzo della Costa: Art, History and Trails

San Lorenzo della Costa brings together art history, historic routes and connections to the landscape in an unusually concentrated form. The main points of interest are the Flemish triptych from 1499, the original Via Aurelia and routes that lead to or end in San Lorenzo della Costa. The triptych, the original Via Aurelia and the ancient footpath from the direction of Santa Margherita thus connect local history with a specific link to the routes.

Flemish Art and the Via Aurelia

The “Trittico Fiammingo di Sant'Andrea” is a work of the Flemish school from 1499. Its central panel is titled “Martirio di S. Andrea”. The side panels depict “Nozze di Cana” and “Risurrezione di Lazzaro”. Together, these three subjects give the art theme in San Lorenzo della Costa a precise historical and religious focus.

The local church history also dates back a long way: the parish of San Lorenzo della Costa has existed since around the 13th century. The church of San Lorenzo della Costa is located along the original Via Aurelia. San Lorenzo della Costa is also associated with archaeological traces of a Roman settlement along the Via Aurelia. The Torre di San Gioachino, which served as a watchtower on the old mule track, is another point of historical orientation.

Landscape between Santa Margherita and Rapallo

The ridgeline running through San Lorenzo della Costa separates the valley of Santa Margherita from that of Rapallo. This geographical location makes the town an interesting point of reference for anyone who wishes to view the landscape not only as a backdrop, but also in terms of its spatial relationships.

The Sentiero dei Fiamminghi uses the two Flemish paintings to explain the economic and commercial connections that existed for centuries between the Republic of Genoa and Flanders. Here, a specific work of art and the idea of a historic route come together without the cultural significance having to be separated from the landscape.

For a shorter hiking stage, there is the “Sentiero da Santa Margherita a San Lorenzo della Costa”. This ancient footpath takes about 30 minutes to complete. In San Lorenzo della Costa, the trail ends at the road, directly beside the turnoff for Santa Margherita. The approximate duration of 30 minutes indicates a short time frame for this connection.

Another route through the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino leads through the landscape of Dolcina to San Lorenzo della Costa.

A Documented Festival Date

The patron saint festivities took place in San Lorenzo della Costa between August 8 and 10, 2025. The program included dance evenings, food stalls, fireworks and religious celebrations.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

In addition, you can discover the following places as further destinations for your travel planning: Coreglia Ligure, Gaiazza, Recco, Sestri Levante, Comeglio, Uscio, Serra Riccò and Arenzano.

For the broader travel overview: Genoa.