Lying some 30km west of Genoa, towards the French border, the Ligurian coastal town of Varazze is a former Roman town (Ad Navalia) before being fought over in the Middle Ages by Genoa and Savona. It was all about Varazze's prime strategic spot on the coast, Liguria region being a narrow strip of littoral between the waters of the northern Mediterranean and the mountains behind. Today, the economy of Varazze is largely based on shipyards and tourism.
A possession of Genoa and then the Kingdom of Sardinia it became part of Italy in 1861. Historical sights abound, with the Romanesque church of San Nazario e Celso, the Church of San Domenico (with 15th century Sienese frescoes), and the Romanesque facade of the Church of Sant'Ambrogio. Varazze also has the remnants of its medieval walls. Neighbouring towns include Cogoleto, Sassello, Stella and Celle Ligure. This stretch of Italian Riviera west of Genoa (or Genova) is known as the Riviera di Ponente, and is famous for its cultivation of flowers. Well worth a visit is the town of San Remo, an Italian counterpart to Monaco, and the medieval towns of Noli and Albenga. Check out Finale Ligure too, a very nice seaside town. Genoa is a marvellous city to visit, and much regenerated in recent years while losing none of its louche charm, and head further along the coast to check out the extraordinary Cinque Terre villages.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Varazze hotels.
