San Fruttuoso
Camogli - Genova
Camogli - Genova
Experience the secluded beauty of San Fruttuoso, in the Gulf Paradise.
Situated along the Natural Park that stretches from Camogli to
Portofino, an architectural marvel emerges, nestled within a small cove
and safeguarded by a 16th-century tower.
This structure is remarkably
harmonized with its natural surroundings. The site's inaccessibility,
coupled with the presence of a freshwater spring, rendered it an ideal
location for the establishment of a church in the 8th century AD.
According to tradition, it was the martyr Fruttuoso who designated this
bay, revealing it in a dream to Prospero, the bishop of Tarragona, who
was fleeing the Arab invasion of Spain and seeking a sanctuary for the
relics of the saint.
Reconstructed in the 10th century as a Benedictine monastery, the
Abbey's fate became intertwined with that of the Doria family from the
13th century onward.
They altered its structure, notably by adding a
two-tiered loggia with trifora windows and relocating their family
burial site here, until they ultimately donated the entire complex to
the FAI in 1983.
Since then, efforts have been underway to restore this intricate
complex, which comprises various distinct elements in dire need of
ongoing care. In April 2017, the final restorations were completed,
enhancing and revealing the spring that lies beneath the bell tower.
The
monastery, along with its cloister, the Doria tombs, the original
church, the parish church, archaeological artifacts, and the quaint
village, merits a visit to uncover the authentic spirit of this locale,
bordered by spectacular crystalline waters.
Visitors are also afforded
the unique opportunity to stay in the charming residence of the estate,
perfect for those seeking an unusual retreat from the world.
This structure is remarkably harmonized with its natural surroundings. The site's inaccessibility, coupled with the presence of a freshwater spring, rendered it an ideal location for the establishment of a church in the 8th century AD.
According to tradition, it was the martyr Fruttuoso who designated this bay, revealing it in a dream to Prospero, the bishop of Tarragona, who was fleeing the Arab invasion of Spain and seeking a sanctuary for the relics of the saint. Reconstructed in the 10th century as a Benedictine monastery, the Abbey's fate became intertwined with that of the Doria family from the 13th century onward.
They altered its structure, notably by adding a two-tiered loggia with trifora windows and relocating their family burial site here, until they ultimately donated the entire complex to the FAI in 1983.
Since then, efforts have been underway to restore this intricate complex, which comprises various distinct elements in dire need of ongoing care. In April 2017, the final restorations were completed, enhancing and revealing the spring that lies beneath the bell tower.
The monastery, along with its cloister, the Doria tombs, the original church, the parish church, archaeological artifacts, and the quaint village, merits a visit to uncover the authentic spirit of this locale, bordered by spectacular crystalline waters.
Visitors are also afforded the unique opportunity to stay in the charming residence of the estate, perfect for those seeking an unusual retreat from the world.
