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View of Portofino, Italy. Author Pierre-Selim Huard.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Portofino

Portofino is a local administrative division located in the metropolitan city of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is clustered around a small harbour.

It is well established for its colourful painted buildings that line the shore. Since the 19th century, the town has attracted tourism from the European aristocracy.

Let’s learn more about this beautiful city and why you should plan a visit

1. Portofino has a Long List of Notable Residents in the Early years

Over 200 years ago, very powerful people from different parts of the world lived in Portofino. These include King Richard I of England, Pope Gregory XI, Rex Harrison – English actor, Guy de Maupassant – French painter, etc.

 In the 19th century, the city was first visited by the British. They were Followed by the Northern European aristocratic tourist. They reached the city by horse and cart from Santa Margherita Ligure.

Eventually, more expatriates built expensive holiday houses. By 1950 tourism had replaced fishing as the town’s chief industry. The waterfront was a continuous ring of restaurants and cafés.

2. Explore the Castello Brown and Discover how its site was Used for Military Defense

Italia – Portofino, Castello Brown. Author Randreu.

Castello Brown is a historic house museum. It is located high above the harbour of Portofino.

The site of this historic house was used for Military Defense since Roman times. The site featured in many naval battles between the 13th and 19th centuries. This is because Portofino was an important harbour.

The Castello was one of two key coastal fortresses of the Republic of Genoa. It housed a garrison led by a patrician Castellano.

The castle continued to function as a military fortress until about 1600. It then became increasingly residential.

3. Relax at Portofino’s Iconic Main Square

La Piazzetta is Portofino’s iconic main square. The square overlooks the harbour and the myriad of boats anchored at the port.

It is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy traditional specialities. Visitors can also sit and experience the vastness of the Ligurian sea. All around the square, there are shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

4. Indulge in snorkelling at Paraggi Bay

Paraggi Bay (Santa Margherita Ligure) in Author Robyc73.

Paraggi is a bay between Santa Margherita and Portofino. This is a tourist attraction known for its crystal clear blue water

Moreover, it is a fishing location. The reason why it’s a tourist attraction is that it is the only sandy beach near Portofino.

Most of the beaches in the area are rocky. This is a private-public but visitors do enjoy the private beach clubs.

5. Dive in San Fruttuoso to See the Christ of the Abyss

Christ of the Abysses. Author Yoruno.

Christ of the Abyss is a submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ. It was submerged by Guido Galletti.

The statue is located at the San Fruttuoso between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

6. Enjoy a Mesmerizing View from Portofino Lighthouse

The lighthouse of Portofino, Italy. Ruben Holthuijsen – 

Portofino lighthouse is known as Faro di Portofino in Italian. It is located in Portofino, the Metropolitan city of Genoa. The Lighthouse is active.

It was built in 1917. It consists of a white quadrangular tower which is 12 high. Moreover, a balcony and a lantern.

The lighthouse is completely automated. Powered by a solar unit and is operated by the Marina Militare with the identification code number 1675 E.F.

The lantern is painted in grey metallic. It is positioned at 40 metres above sea level. The lantern emits one white flash in 5 seconds. Which is visible up to a distance of 16 nautical miles.

7. Have a View at the Picturesque San Martino Church

Chiesa di San Martino. Author János Korom.

It’s the main church in Portofino and it’s ancient (it was built around 1100 A.C.).

The church has visible features of the Romanesque style. The main facade is decorated with simple decorative elements. The window is a medallion that is located above the main entrance.

On the right side of the building, there is a square strict bell tower. It is decorated with large arched windows and is smaller in size than the main part of the bell tower, the domed roof, under which the clock is located.

 The interior of the church is magnificent in its way. Decorated with frescoes, huge chandeliers and massive columns connected by arched openings.

Inside the Church are the organ and some valuable paintings and sculptures. These are the wooden sculptural group of Christ, the painting of Madonna del Rosario by an unknown artist, and a painting depicting saints Rocco, Sebastiano and Pantaleo Ligurian artists of the sixteenth century.

8. Visit Portofino Park Museum to Admire Several Sculptures of well-Known Artists

The park museum (Museo del Parco) is located at Molo Umberto I. There is a magnificent garden overlooking the sea and houses sculptures belonging to major international artists. The artists were Pomodoro, Messina, Marrai, and Costa.

 To date, there are 130 sculptures. It is worth a visit as, in addition to being able to admire the statues and the various works of artists.

9. Explore the Water Reserve of Area Marina Protetta Portofino

Area Naturale marina protetta Portofino.Author lucianoro1.

Area Marina Protetta Portofino is a natural water reserve. It was established in 1999 by the Ministry of Environment to protect and safeguard the sea bed and the surrounding coastal areas in the region. This place is spread out over 13 kilometres (8 miles) and is rich in marine life. It is also a favourite hotspot among scuba divers and tourists.

10. Relish the delicious seafood at Taverna del Marinaio

After visiting the above tourist sites. You can relax at Taverna del Marinaio and enjoy delicious seafood.

Taverna del Marinaio is a restaurant known for various delicious dishes in Portofino. The dishes include homemade pasta, bread, fresh seats like scampi and Prawns with Catalan Sauce, Cappellacio con burrata and shrimp.

The interior of the restaurant is extremely classy and offers beautiful views of the sea. Visitors can also admire beautiful sunsets from this location.