Sestri Levante

In the middle of the coast of the Riviera di Levante, on the Gulf of Tigullio, the reputation of Sestri Levante is somewhat overshadowed by that of its famous neighbor Portofino. Yet it is of an enchanting beauty, of another kind.
It is called the “town of the two seas” because the isthmus connected to the town center and the promontory of the Isola share the coast into two bays: the Bay of Fables to the west (Baia delle Favole in Italian) with the tourist port and a large sandy beach, and the smaller and superb Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio in Italian) to the east which contributes the most to Sestri’s fame.
Many buildings in the town center are beautifully painted with the classic regional trompe l’œil, a Genoese tradition dating back to the 15th century.
Several buildings are particularly remarkable, such as the Durazzo Pallavicino Palace and the neo-Gothic Fascie Rossi Palace.

An annual festival, the Andersen Festival, is dedicated to the writer Hans Christian Andersen, who stayed in Sestri Levante in 1833, finding inspiration there for his writings.

Visit and heritage

The Bay of Silence

The Bay of Silence is the main attraction of Sestri Levante, the Baia del Silenzio in Italian, located east of the isthmus of Sestri Levante.
It is a superb site, the ideal postcard, which imposes great serenity and tranquility – the origin of its name – with a sandy beach preceding the row of colorful houses, its waters in shades of blue and green, photogenic both during the day and in the evening. Most of the beach is free. The panorama is superb when climbing the eastern bank.
In summer, entertainments and shows are held there, including a silent disco. In the height of summer the crowds are often excessive and the beach quickly packed.

The Bay of Fables

On the western side of the isthmus, the Bay of Fables was named thus in relation to Andersen, the author of tales. Next to a free beach are various beach establishments, with sand and pebbles.
This bay is much wider than the Bay of Silence, with a beautiful promenade and its large beaches. the marina, restaurants and clubs. Facing west it enjoys the sunset.

Historic center

The town center of Sestri is lively and pleasant, with its pedestrian streets full of restaurants, bars, artisan shops, where the bakeries make the appetizing focaccia.
Sestri has very good restaurants, including Portobello among the most renowned, on the Bay of Silence. There are also trattorias and simpler establishments, where one can savor the traditional Genoese focaccia.

Palaces and churches

Among the most beautiful buildings, the Durazzo Pallavicini Palace has become the seat of the Municipality, dating from the 17th century when it was an episcopal seat. It has a beautiful staircase and hall.

The Fascie Rossi Palace stands out with its red structure and its unusual style, of neo-medieval style with its tower, built in the early 20th century, housing the town library and museum and archaeology.

The Rizzi Gallery, on the beach of the Bay of Silence, is a relatively small museum preserving paintings and sculptures, ceramics, and furniture, including the canvases Cuciniera di Campi, Le Nozze di Santa Caterina di Ansaldo.

The church of San Nicolò dell’Isola is the oldest in Sestri, located on the promontory of the Isola, in a beautiful site with the charms of the 12th-century Romanesque and its Baroque additions.

There are other sanctuaries such as the Basilica of Saint Mary of Nazareth from the 17th century which became the main sanctuary of the town, with its neoclassical facade from the 19th century. It preserves a famous Pieta by Anton Maria Maragliano.

The former convent of the Annunciation at the foot of the promontory, was founded by the Dominicans in the 15th century, enjoying a very beautiful view. The monks were expelled in 1997 by Napoleon and it subsequently became a manor house.

The church of the Immaculate Conception, and the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, Capuchin from the 17th century.

Promenade

Sestri Levante is separated from Riva Trigoso (where Trigoso is the old village) to the south by the promontory of Monte Castello.
The panoramic promenade Salita della Mandrella climbs from the historic center up Monte Castello to Punta Manara, crossing the scrubland and offering exceptional views over the Gulf of Tigullio, at nearly 1h15 of walking one way (1h return).

Beaches and Riva Trigoso

The beaches are found around the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole, in the center, and that of Riva Trigoso at nearly 10 kilometers. Riva Trigoso has a large beach of sand and small pebbles, with very clear blue waters.

Map

Information

• Info: en.wikipedia.org
• Tourist portals: www.sestri-levante.net