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How to get there: exit at Carrodano and go towards Levante and after a few kilometers you will arrive at Banassola.
It faces a small gulf that is closed by green hills. The hills have vineyards and olive trees that are scattered everywhere and they are protected by solid fig trees.
The town has a strong sailing history and it also has two rocky spurs that protects the town from wind and waves.
It developed as a place for shelter against the terrible predators of the sea.
Because the inhabitants of the town were strongly united an “insurance” institute was created in 1509 in order to pay ransoms for its citizens that fell into the hands of the terrible sea predators.
Today, the ruins of the castle that was built by the Castruccio Castracani order of Antelminelli can be seen.
It was property of the Luni Bishops up until the end of the 11th century and then it became the feud of the De Passano family and later it went under the control of Framura that was part of the Republic of Genoa.
Besides the pirate raids the Bonassola stronghold never participated in any important battles and for a long time it was an aristocratic residential area.
In the area near the sea there is the 1670 Parish Church of St. Catherine. Inside it is richly decorated in Baroque style and mystical votive offerings by sailors.
It also has two prestigious organs of the 18th century and an 1854 Lingiardi that go well with the beautiful 17th century canvases by Bernardo Strozzi, G.B. Carlone, and the master Antonio Discovolo.
These masterpieces have been here since the early 1900’s.
It is a very well-known sea resort but at the same time it is a perfect and exclusive place for holidays thanks to the awesome villas located along the coast.
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