We start this excursion using the cable car that allows us to admire the Gulf of Tigullio from above.
The return is scheduled by going down the mountain with the ancient mule track, so we recommend appropriate shoes and clothing, otherwise you can return to Rapallo using the cable car again.
We start this excursion using the cable car that allows us to admire the Gulf of Tigullio from above. The return is scheduled by going down the mountain with the ancient mule track, so we recommend appropriate shoes and clothing, otherwise you can return to Rapallo using the cable car again.
The departure is from the funicular station in Piazza Solari 2. The cable car was inaugurated in 1934 and allows you to get to Montallegro in just 7 minutes, (difference in altitude of 600 meters; capacity 144 people / hour). Upon reaching the station on the mountain, we head towards the entrance of the road that leads to the Sanctuary, a cobblestone of about 300 meters bordered by tall trees.
Sanctuary of N.S. of Montallegro.
The Basilica was built, together with the annexed shelter for pilgrims, in 1558, thanks to the funds of the inhabitants. The current marble facade dates back to 1896 by the Milanese architect Luigi Rovelli.
Our Lady of Montallegro has been the patron saint of the city of Rapallo since 1739, the year in which she was elected as patron saint of the Rapallo community, her captaincy and the parish of Santa Margherita Ligure.
This recognition is reproduced on the coat of arms of the Municipality of Rapallo which since 1948 has carried a letter M placed in the center of the two griffins supporting the royal crown.
In addition to the wonderful panoramic position, the Sanctuary is well known for the collection of ex-votos contained within, mostly marine-inspired. There are dozens of them from 1600 to today.
You could spend hours reading them all. The most sensational is undoubtedly the embalmed crocodile, brought here it is said by the two lucky ones who escaped the attack of a fellow man in an African river.
With the cable car to
Sanctuary of N.S. of Montallegro
(The Sanctuary remains open from 7 to 12 and from 14.30 to 17.30 in winter. In summer until 18.30.
For information tel +39 0185 239000).
The July Festivals, the 1-2-3 are always in honor of NS di Montallegro, and end with the beautiful fireworks by the Rapallo district
From the Sanctuary, built on a hillock from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama, we continue to the right along the mule track that cuts the eastern slopes of M. Rosa, covered by a dense holm oak forest up to the Casa del Pellegrino where we can refresh ourselves and enjoy the panorama . Rapallo, Santa Margherita and more distant Portofino clearly stand out. All around almost pristine deciduous forests.
To return to Rapallo, if we wish, we can use the ancient paved road used by pilgrims to reach the Sanctuary (1 hour indication FIE ++ red), a road that is on the side of the arrival station of the funicular, and winding down through the woods , the vegetable gardens, the olive trees up to the church of San Bartolomeo. Then finally the road and the stairs that will quickly take us to the Rapallo promenade.
If you still want to enjoy these scenarios and to postpone the return to Rapallo, from the square of the cable car it is easy to reach the path indicated on the following page using the road in via Santuario di Montallegro up to S. Maurizio di Monti.
