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Rapallo lies on the arc of the most inner part of the inlet of the Tigullio Gulf and it is located on the alluvial plain of the Boate and San Francesco torrents. Rapallo is one of the most well equipped sea resorts of the Riviera of Levante.
Rapallo soon became a tourist attraction due to its wonderful climate because the hills behind Rapallo protect the bay from cold winter winds. Due to Rapallo’s tourist boom, the old seaside town was remodeled and it became an elite sea resort.
Rapallo is located on a fertile and strategic point that allowed it to control the gulf and the street that crossed Ruta. Rapallo has always had an leading role on the nearby seaside towns and during the 17th century its jurisdiction went from Portofino to Zoagli as well as the Fontanabuona hinterland.
The town has pre-roman origins (it was home of the Tigulli Ligurian’s) and between the 10th and 11th centuries Rapallo went under the protectorate of Genoa, which it always remained loyal to in the battles against Pisan’s, Venetian’s and French. In 1550 the pirate Dragut destroyed the town and enslaved many inhabitants, but later a castle was built that was fortified with San Michele of Pagana, Santa Margherita Ligure, Paraggi and Portofino. This was the defense system of the gulf that never carried out a military role.
The tourist fortune of Rapallo began in the second half of the 19th century and soon villas and hotels of international fame were built. Today visitors can admire its wealth especially along the sea promenade Vittorio Veneto that has rich hotels, many bars and it offers a wide range of seaside equipment, sports, and free-time activities.
In the past Rapallo was also famous for its bobbin lace, which the Civic Museum contains a large collection of ancient lace as well as interesting archive.
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