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Holidays in Framura
Framura is often described as one of the "best-kept secrets" of the Ligurian Riviera. Unlike the bustling Cinque Terre nearby, it is a scattered municipality (a comune sparso) composed of five tiny medieval hamlets—Anzo, Ravecca, Setta, Costa, and Castagnola—that "slide" down the mountain toward the sea.
History
Medieval Roots: Its history is tied to the Da Passano and Lagneto families until the 13th century, when it was annexed by the Republic of Genoa.
Defensive Design: The villages are built vertically to protect against Saracen pirate raids. You can still see the 9th-century Carolingian watchtower in Costa, which was once used for signaling.
World War II: A somber but significant piece of local history involves the "Operation Ginny" missions, where American commandos attempted to blow up a nearby railway tunnel; they were captured and executed, a story commemorated by a plaque in the area.
Description of the Five Hamlets
Framura is not one single town, but a vertical journey through:
Costa: The highest village, home to the Romanesque Church of San Martino and the ancient Carolingian tower.
Castagnola: Known for its lush chestnut woods and the Church of San Lorenzo, which houses a painting by the famous Genoese artist Luca Cambiaso.
Setta: The administrative heart, characterized by its 15th-century guard tower and the Chapel of San Rocco.
Ravecca: A tiny, quiet cluster of houses with a distinctly medieval atmosphere.
Anzo: The closest to the sea, featuring two 15th-century watchtowers and the Neo-Gothic Chapel of Our Lady of the Snow.
Typical Foods
The cuisine is a blend of "land and sea," relying on wild herbs and fresh catch.
Gattafin: Large fried ravioli stuffed with wild field herbs (gathered from the hills), eggs, and cheese. While native to Levanto, they are a staple here.
Pesto & Focaccia: Like all of Liguria, the local pesto and oil-rich focaccia are non-negotiable.
Stuffed Anchovies: Freshly caught anchovies filled with garlic, marjoram, and breadcrumbs, then baked or fried.
Sciacchetrà: A rare, sweet "heroic" wine produced from grapes grown on the steep, terraced cliffs.
Activities & Nature
Ciclopedonale Maremonti: A flat, stunning 5km path for cyclists and walkers that runs through old railway tunnels, connecting Framura to Bonassola and Levanto.
Hiking: The trail to Monte Sant’Agata offers panoramic views of the entire coast, while the descent from Castagnola to the Marina is a beautiful trek through olive groves.
The Sea: Framura’s port is framed by Ciamia, the largest rock in Liguria. The water is exceptionally clear (Blue Flag certified), making it a hotspot for snorkeling and diving (specifically the "Marcella" destroyer wreck).
Shops & Festivals
Shops: You won't find luxury boutiques here. Instead, look for small alimentari selling local olive oil, honey, and wine. Pastificio Dasso is a local favorite for fresh pasta.
Festa della Madonna del Mare: Held on the first Sunday of August, this is the most magical night in Framura. Thousands of floating candles are placed in the sea, and fireworks are launched from the Ciamia rock.
San Martino Festival: Celebrated in November in the hamlet of Costa, featuring traditional foods and local wine
History
Medieval Roots: Its history is tied to the Da Passano and Lagneto families until the 13th century, when it was annexed by the Republic of Genoa.
Defensive Design: The villages are built vertically to protect against Saracen pirate raids. You can still see the 9th-century Carolingian watchtower in Costa, which was once used for signaling.
World War II: A somber but significant piece of local history involves the "Operation Ginny" missions, where American commandos attempted to blow up a nearby railway tunnel; they were captured and executed, a story commemorated by a plaque in the area.
Description of the Five Hamlets
Framura is not one single town, but a vertical journey through:
Costa: The highest village, home to the Romanesque Church of San Martino and the ancient Carolingian tower.
Castagnola: Known for its lush chestnut woods and the Church of San Lorenzo, which houses a painting by the famous Genoese artist Luca Cambiaso.
Setta: The administrative heart, characterized by its 15th-century guard tower and the Chapel of San Rocco.
Ravecca: A tiny, quiet cluster of houses with a distinctly medieval atmosphere.
Anzo: The closest to the sea, featuring two 15th-century watchtowers and the Neo-Gothic Chapel of Our Lady of the Snow.
Typical Foods
The cuisine is a blend of "land and sea," relying on wild herbs and fresh catch.
Gattafin: Large fried ravioli stuffed with wild field herbs (gathered from the hills), eggs, and cheese. While native to Levanto, they are a staple here.
Pesto & Focaccia: Like all of Liguria, the local pesto and oil-rich focaccia are non-negotiable.
Stuffed Anchovies: Freshly caught anchovies filled with garlic, marjoram, and breadcrumbs, then baked or fried.
Sciacchetrà: A rare, sweet "heroic" wine produced from grapes grown on the steep, terraced cliffs.
Activities & Nature
Ciclopedonale Maremonti: A flat, stunning 5km path for cyclists and walkers that runs through old railway tunnels, connecting Framura to Bonassola and Levanto.
Hiking: The trail to Monte Sant’Agata offers panoramic views of the entire coast, while the descent from Castagnola to the Marina is a beautiful trek through olive groves.
The Sea: Framura’s port is framed by Ciamia, the largest rock in Liguria. The water is exceptionally clear (Blue Flag certified), making it a hotspot for snorkeling and diving (specifically the "Marcella" destroyer wreck).
Shops & Festivals
Shops: You won't find luxury boutiques here. Instead, look for small alimentari selling local olive oil, honey, and wine. Pastificio Dasso is a local favorite for fresh pasta.
Festa della Madonna del Mare: Held on the first Sunday of August, this is the most magical night in Framura. Thousands of floating candles are placed in the sea, and fireworks are launched from the Ciamia rock.
San Martino Festival: Celebrated in November in the hamlet of Costa, featuring traditional foods and local wine
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