In a valley where the Fieschi were everywhere, Leivi was never theirs. The commune belonged to the capitaneato of Chiavari and defended itself well enough to keep the counts of Lavagna out: it stayed independent until 1797, when the Republic of Genoa fell.
The watchtower, from the thirteenth century, stands beside the church of San Rufino and commands the whole valley: fourteen metres, arrow slits on every wall of the upper floors, and perhaps, some historians say, underground passages leading to it from the village. The municipality was called San Rufino until 1934. The population is 2,349.
Chiesa di San Bartolomeo
Pesto alla Genovese
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Next up: Saint John the Baptist, patron of a town of seven hamlets and three ancient parishes, Thursday 24 June
Nearest airport: Genova, 39 km away
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📅 Every year, on 24 June
Leivi celebrates Saint John the Baptist on 24 June; the town preserves three ancient parish churches, San Rufino in the historic centre, San Bartolomeo once subject to the abbey of Bobbio, and San Tommaso del Curlo, witnesses to the area's religious history.
Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Leivi, but an easy day trip away.
