Garlic is a serious matter here: the garlic fair of Vessalico has been held since about the fifteenth century, traditionally on 2 July, and the crop now has a strict set of production rules and European recognition. The fair used to come with a cattle market, which over the years has almost disappeared.
The village is said to have been born around 1100, when the lords obliged the people scattered through the valley to gather in a single settlement on the left bank of the stream. Not that the valley folk kept quiet: in 1203 and again in 1234 they rose against the local lords, and Genoa, which had an interest in the territory, sent in soldiers. The population is 287.
Pesto alla Genovese
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Next up: Saint Mary Magdalene, patron of a town famous for its garlic since the 15th century, Thursday 22 July
Nearest airport: Genova, 81 km away
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📅 Every year, on 22 July
Vessalico celebrates Saint Mary Magdalene on 22 July, in the Baroque church dedicated to her; the town is known above all for the Garlic Fair, held every year since around 1400, traditionally on 2 July.
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 Vessalico, but an easy day trip away.
