The charm of an ancient Maritime Republic: a day in Noli, Liguria, Italy

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A panoramic road that leads into a fairy tale. Along the Aurelia Savona, from West to Genoa, at some point you see the road more rock, more asphalt sea: a spectacular setting that indicates that we have come to Noli. Capo Noli, with its enormous limestone cliffs overlooking the sea, with the rock clear that there is only the lighter plumage of gulls who dwell above, and the magical background of blue sea, is one of the most beautiful of the Ligurian Riviera.
Continuing, we see a sign that informs us of entering the territory of an ancient maritime republic, which was the capital Noli from 1192 to 1797, and takes only a few meters of the road ahead of us because it displays an overview of Noli, who explains without words why we are in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. We note first of all the Monte Ursino Castle that overlooks the village and an incredible wall that drops down the hill to the village. An unusual vision, able to make a good uphill climb even lazier tourists: it is, in fact, impossible to resist the lure of the "wall" across Liguria, which has its roots in history, having been built from the century XII. Once the two walled perimeters embraced the whole hill and later lived in the valley. We climb up to the castle on foot following the winding road that leads up, stopping to take pictures at every turn more and more panoramic of the Gulf and increasingly close to the castle, all immersed in the scent and color of an infinite number of flowers that line the the road. We admire the towers that follow each other along the circular wall, up the main tower of the Castle, mentioned in documents as far back as 1004.
About towers, we can see different in other parts of the city, beginning with the thirteenth century Torre del Comune, up to the high Tower of the Four Corners.
The story of Noli is also steeped in legend of St. Eugene: come to the Ligurian coast in the sixth century "on board" of the island of Bergeggi, which tells of the eponymous town had come before slipping on the sea, then the saint lived Long Island. At his death, his remains were transferred to Noli, a legend from the tomb Noles believes that the body was returned to the island alone ...
Strolling in the old town, featuring a front porch, which was once the heart of the seaside, which also possessed a large fleet with which he participated in the First Crusade in 1099, we find plenty of fascinating glimpses of the beauty. We also visit several magnificent churches, including the Church of St. Paragorio, inserted between the Italian National Monuments. This church, built in the eleventh century in the Lombard Romanesque style, was the cathedral of Noli until 1572, when the title passed to the most central church of San Pietro, known as the Co-Cathedral. After visiting the churches of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Michael the Archangel, we find that in Noli there are also ruins of the Church of St. Lazarus, and the adjoining hospital, built in the twelfth century by the Knights of Rhodes to accommodate the many pilgrims and sailors in need of assistance.
After this exciting tour in the history of Noli, we can only enjoy a good meal in style fishing: we decide, therefore, get comfortable at Ristorante Da Pino, on the waterfront. We sit in the spacious outdoor area, and as we begin to study the menu, chat with the owners, the brothers Louis and George. "Our restaurant is renowned for its seafood specialties. Every morning at 6 am a vessel arrives in the port of Finale Ligure decide the menu of the day, more depending on the catch. We opened in 2004 and since 2007 we are in this location that is located directly on the waterfront, "explain owners.
We start with the steamed squid with celery and parmesan cheese, the octopus with mushrooms and anchovies marinated in green sauce. After these appetizers taste of noodles with prawns, the noodles with shrimp and flowers Barbaja trumpets, and the pasta red sauce of tuna, all delicious local dishes. We followed these first with a beautiful cut of tuna, while our friends choose the fish with salt and carpaccio of Morone, and several other fish to Liguria. Washed down with fine wines including Ligurian Pigato, Vermentino, Rossese and Acerbina.
The sweet ending to our dinner sees us enjoy a cup of caramel apples with creme anglaise, chocolate cake, and creme caramel. After dinner we just cross the street to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the sea at night: emotions and images that we will soon return to Noli, even out of season.

Bertha Frances

FOR INFORMATION:
www.comune.Noli.sv.it
Ristorante Da Pino
Corso Italia, 23 Noli (SV)
Tel.: 019/7490065