Four townships, one heart

Finalborgo
The inland township founded in 1100 by the Marquis Del Carretto lies a few kilometres from the lively coastal life. From 1400 until 1700 it was the capital of the Marquisate and the extent of preservation of the walls, the buildings and the churches distinguish it in the region. Doorways encircled by slate seal the imposing religious and public buildings - amongst which the Convent of Santa Caterina and the Basilica of S. Biagio stand out - whilst the little handicrafts shops are jumbled up in the alleys. A heritage of creativity moulded in "Pietra del Finale" (stone from Finale), in ceramic, in glass as well as in wood and iron. If we walk a bit further we run into San Giovanni and the tower of Castel Gavone - silhouetted against the lights at night.

Finalmarina
A walk along the sea that becomes tormenting at sunset, a castle that dominates the marina, extremely valuable artistic examples, attractive for animated evenings. All the residents of this area, for about ten centuries, were baptised in the antique Pieve del Finale, the church of the Capuchin brothers since 1578, which is set against the Basilica of S. Giovanni Battista, leading Baroque exponent in Liguria. The centre of Finalmarina is a pedestrian island and it is like taking a walk in a most pleasant trip back to the seventeenth century - the opulent buildings from the Spanish dominance show off the slate doorways, ornaments and crests. The archway dedicated to Marguerite of Spain looks over the azure sea of Finale, as if responding to the lures of S. Bartolomeo. We would never like to leave the sea, especially in summer; we only do it at night, giving into the call of the notes that come from the piano bars and night spots.

 

Finalpia
A township that keeps its rural traditions, with great respect for history and traditions. The scenery of Finalpia blends between the terraced hillsides and vine and olive plantations. Around the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria di Pia the homes with typical sixteenth century architecture arise. Above Final Pia homes from the 1500 and 1600s emerge, with the attached cultivated land; in the past it was cradle to exotic species and citrus fruits thanks to the mild climate and avant-garde hothouses, today this area is the centre of top quality vines, the products of which can be tasted in the goblets served in the small restaurants by the sea.

Varigotti
A Mediterranean township inextricably linked to the sea, the true star. A natural oasis where nature has been very generous - crystalline clear sea bottom, olive and lemon trees that are softly interposed between the colourful homes. The Cape of Vrigotti is a delightful belvedere from which to admire the Bay of the Saracens, bordered to the west by the green and steep promontory of Point Crena. On the other hand, an easy track departs towards the mountains and crosses scent-filled maritime pines to arrive at the small medieval church of San Lorenzo, overhanging the sea. Parts of the stone jetty, silted up by the Genoese rivals of the past, are still recognisable today and lay claim to the seafaring soul of the village. This village was beloved and celebrated in the Twentieth century by painters and men of letters, fascinated by the atmosphere and landscape.

Intrinsically beautiful

Antique cloisters for modern congresses. A time of works is definitely more pleasant in a prestigious context. The convent buildings of Santa Caterina in Finalborgo are a frame of worth for the events and needs of congressional tourism. The buildings of the Borgo go back to the Fifteenth century and were partly altered with subsequent Spanish influences; the Town Hall is one of the most exquisite examples of Renaissance architecture in Liguria. The cobbled alleys of the Borgo go perfectly well with the discreet and creative handicraft workshops. The Aicardi theatre, most important Nineteenth century theatre in Liguria is also discreet and creative. The Santa Caterina church and cloisters sit in this atmosphere of harmony and reminiscence of the past. The building complex, dated 1359, holds the tombs of the Del Carretto Marquises; it is made up of a church, originally with three naves, and two cloisters that were added in Renaissance.

The results of restoration

The monumental complex of Santa Caterina, which in its history was also set up us a prison, was the object of painstaking and scrupulous upgrading work. So an artistic area that includes a congressional room, an area of 700 sq. m for exhibitions, which has hosted great artists such as Guttuso, Sassu, Scanavino, Veronesi and Dalì has been given back to Finale Ligure. A cloister with excellent acoustics to use for concerts and plays, a library and the archaeological museum of Finale, true workshop for scholars and the curious. Archaeological artefacts from this area, dating from the Quaternary era to the Modern day, are being exhibited in the Museum. All of this in the peace of a rose garden and a lemon grove that are offered for reading and meditation.