Noli

Access

Noli can be easily reached via the Aurelia State Road, which runs along the coast from Savona to Finale Ligure, or via the Genoa-Ventimiglia motorway, exiting at Spotorno, from which it is about 2 km away. The nearest railway station is Spotorno-Noli on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line, served by Trenitalia regional trains, while TPL bus lines (40/ and 38) connect Noli with Spotorno, Savona and Finale Ligure. The nearest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo, about 60 km away.

.

Introduction

Noli is an ancient seaside village on the Riviera di Ponente, in the province of Savona, overlooking a small inlet between Capo Noli and the island of Bergeggi. It arose as a village of the Ligurians and later a Roman municipality. It acquired great importance in the Middle Ages, when it became one of the so-called 'Maritime Republics' of Italy, autonomous from 1192 to 1797. Within its walls, Noli still retains an almost intact mediaeval urban layout, with towers, alleyways and Romanesque churches that bear witness to centuries of maritime and civic history.

Description

The medieval town spreads out in a natural amphitheatre between the coast and the surrounding hills: on one side the sea, deep almost to the shore, and on the other the hills covered with Mediterranean scrub and olive groves. The town contains important monuments such as the cathedral of San Paragorio, an exceptional example of Proto-Romanesque architecture, the church of San Pietro and the civic tower erected to defend the town. The origins of the name, attested in documents as 'Naboli', probably derive from Neapolis, i.e. 'new town', of Greek-Byzantine origin.
Over the centuries, Noli was an active centre of fishing and trade, with a fleet that traded wine, oil and salted fish along the Tyrrhenian Sea routes. Even today, artisanal fishing, such as the traditional sciabica, is a symbol of local culture: it is an ancient method that became a Slow Food Presidium in 2014. The modern economy is based on tourism, handicrafts and small services, with a focus on sustainability and the enhancement of historical heritage.
The cultural identity of Nola is deeply linked to the sea and its festivals. Typical dishes include baccalà alla nolese, cooked with potatoes and olives, while local festivals and markets - such as the Herb and Flower Market - celebrate nature and local produce. The hamlets of Tosse and Voze, on the slopes of the inland hills, retain a rural character and simple architecture reminiscent of Ligurian farming life. The surrounding countryside is criss-crossed by scenic mule tracks that connect the village to Spotorno, Finale and the Beigua Park.
Hiking is another valuable resource for Noli: the paths that climb to Monte Ursino and Monte Mao offer sweeping views of the gulf and terraced slopes, while the remains of castles and watchtowers along the coast bear witness to the village's ancient defensive role. The conformation of its sandy shore and the seabed rich in marine fauna also make activities such as snorkelling and diving interesting.

Information

Area: 10 km²
Centre altitude: 2 m above sea level
Main elevation: Monte Mao, 450 m
Number of inhabitants: 2.632 (2023)
Name in dialect: Nöi
Inhabitants' name: Nolesi
Patron Saint: San Paragorio (second Sunday in July)
Neighbouring municipalities: Spotorno, Orco Feglino, Calice Ligure, Vezzi Portio, Bergeggi, Vado Ligure
Official site: www.comune.noli.sv.it