Fezzano between the bay, carruggi and church art

Fezzano lies in a small bay on the western side of the Gulf, at the foot of Monte Castellana.

Church and local history

Fezzano is home to the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1740. Also in 1740, the parish of Fezzano was separated from the parish of Marola and established as an independent parish. The church houses five large-format paintings by the local painter Giuseppe Tori, as well as a wooden statue by Anton Maria Maragliano. At the end of the 18th century, an organ by the Genoese organ builder Luigi Ciurlo was acquired for the church. The church’s cultural connections therefore range from painting and wood sculpture to organ building.

Historic centre and Villa Cattaneo

The historic centre of Fezzano consists of old, closely spaced houses, between which narrow carruggi lanes wind their way. The houses and lanes together define the spatial character of this historic centre. For visitors interested in cultural history, this is a particular focal point of the village, because its history is evident not only in a single building but also in the dense structure of the development.

Simonetta Cattaneo lived at Villa Cattaneo in Fezzano. The remains of Villa Cattaneo in Fezzano were recently restored. This place therefore brings together the history of a known individual with a restored architectural landmark.

Forest trails and bay

The forest trail begins at the bend in the road before the Fezzano cemetery. Its starting point can be reached by car or on bus routes 11 or P. From the village of Fezzano to Sentiero No. 1, the trail passes olive terraces belonging to several houses before continuing into a shady holm oak forest. When planning an active stage, you can therefore distinguish between the starting point at the village, the terraces and the later forest section.

For a hiking stage, the starting point can therefore be defined precisely: the key landmark is the bend in the road before the cemetery. The approach can be made by car or on bus routes 11 and P. From the village to Sentiero No. 1, the surroundings change in sequence, first passing the olive terraces of several houses and then entering the shady holm oak forest. Anyone preparing this section of the trail can plan the starting point and the transition into the forest separately in advance. The specific sequence also helps ensure that this stage is not confused with the waterside walk among the pine trees.

On the shore of a sheltered bay in Fezzano, you can walk among lush pine trees.

Maritime character

Fezzano is one of thirteen fishing villages that take part in the Palio del Golfo every year. The Palio del Golfo thus provides a recurring connection to the Gulf. Bordo Libero ASD is also based in Fezzano di Portovenere, an organisation that brings people together through sailing as a sport, a journey and an adventure.

To the main travel overview: Portovenere.