More of Italy - Holiday Highlights 2

Just West of Santa Margherita, where we stayed for four days, and just a short boat ride away is the little bay of Capodimonte. This is the site of what was a very small fishing village, and the remains of an Abbey and Monastery.

First Glimpse of San Fruttuoso and Capodimonte Bay - Sept 2011

It is a really pretty little bay, though crowded with bathers on the day we visited. There are walks to the bay from both Portofino to the East, and from Camogli to the West. The bay cannot be accessed by car, but the boat is fairly cheap. Again the boat was packed full to the brim with tourists, and this was a the end of the season, so in the height of summer it must be even worse. Still a lovely visit and the walking is delicious.

Cool glass of limonada overlooking the tiny bay - Sept 2011

San Fruttuoso di Capodimote Abbey

13th Century Abbey

Beautiful View - San Fruttuoso Abbey

Upper Cloister(12th C) with multi-mullioned window originally looking out on the sea. Doria Tower in the background.

Portofino - Sept 2011

We also visited Portofino  (Port of the dolphins) on the same day and spent time just people watching, before exploring the two churches in the town. First we went to St Martin's Church where I found this beautiful stained glass window showing St Francis. I do love stained glass windows. So beautiful.

St Francis - St Martin's Church Portofino

In Portofino there is also an interesting Sculpture garden that is worth a visit. These pink meerkats caught my eye, as they stood proudly looking out to sea.

Portofino Sculpture Garden

Just a short walk up a hill and along the cliffs, is a lighthouse. We had seen it from the boat earlier and I wanted to explore the pathways, and have a good look around. Although the lighthouse itself was locked up when we reached it(not sure it is open to the public), the exercise did us good after all the pasta we ate the night before! We stopped for a coffee at the lighthouse and looked out to sea, enjoying the view, the sunshine, and people watching again.

At Portofino lighthous

As we walked back I was quite taken with this statue. I later discovered that she was part of the cemetery at St Georges Church. She really made me smile with what seems to be a gesture of defiance. I did some reading about the meanings of cemetery art, and it seems that a finger pointing up to the sky actually indicates the final reward of a life well lived.

A finger pointing at the sky.

We made a quick stop at St George's Church, where the relics of St George are said to be housed, before getting back on the ferry to Santa Margherita.

St Georges Church - Portofino

We had another tasty treat after dinner, as we sampled this amazing Chestnut Cake, a speciality of Liguria. I've added a link to the recipe and thought I might make some for Christmas this year.

Castagnaccio