The Second Exodus – Italy – CCI. Our Daily Life (10 of 19)
Date Posted: April 9th, 2013
Santa Margherita Ligure
The name is usually shortened to Santa Margherita. It is a small town of about 10,000 residents. It is situated in a picturesque cove in the centre and in the innermost part of Tigullio Bay, halfway between Portofino and Rapallo.
Santa Margherita is circled by hills covered by dazzling vegetation. Some lucky souls have villas amidst this splendor, and benefit from the breathtaking view over the Costa dei Delfini, which joins Santa Margherita and Portofino. However, whether you live there or not, you can still enjoy its splendid vegetation, flower beds, pine trees and the resplendent view of the sea.
In the center of the town is the 15th century “Villa Durazzo Centurione.” The villa’s grounds, the “Parco Communale di Villa Durrazo” is a superb example of an Italian garden, with statues, exotic plants, and footpaths; this park is now open to the public.
In the way of historical monuments, you will find the “Basilica of Santa Margherita di Antiochia.” Also of interest, is the “Chiesa dei Cappuccini,” built in the early 17th century. Just outside the town is the 14th century “San Gerolamo della Cervara Abbey.” Santa Margherita has a tourist harbor where boats and luxury yachts are moored. It is extensively used at all time.
The harbor is also the first destination of tourists for, that is where competitive events and folk shows take place.
To say that Santa Margherita rely mainly on tourism to survive is to narrow the field; it is reputed for its wine, especially Pinot Grigio.
It is with a tinge of regret that I realize that we never stayed in this paradisiacal place for a full day. And yet, it had a lot to offer, and should not have been neglected in favor of its more well-known sisters: Rapallo and Portofino.
There were no excuses. We had the time and could have afforded the extra bus fare. Left to my own devices, I would have spend days enjoying the luxuriant vegetation, the sea, the beaches, and the gorgeous gardens. Alas, I had little control over the schedule.
