Mezzanego

Discover Mezzanego

Mezzanego, a municipality in the Sturla valley of Liguria, offers a journey into the rugged beauty of the Genovese hinterland. With its municipal seat in the hamlet of Prati di Mezzanego, this scattered commune of 1 561 abitanti is nestled amidst the green slopes east of Genoa, along the Sturla di Carasco stream. It’s a place where the landscape seamlessly blends the gentle rhythm of the valley with the more imposing presence of the Ligurian mountains, offering a different kind of Ligurian experience away from the coastline’s clamour.

Mezzanego village in Liguria: Identity and Landscape

Mezzanego’s identity is deeply intertwined with its mountainous terrain, a characteristic that defines its atmosphere and history. Located at an altitude of 83 metres above sea level at its municipal centre, the area is distinctly an inland mountain zone. This makes it a destination for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature, far from the typical coastal tourist routes. The varied landscape, with its dense woodlands and numerous peaks like Monte Cian (1,108 m) and Monte Bocco (1,085 m), suggests a rhythm of life shaped by the seasons and the land itself.

Essential History

The name “Mezzanego” itself, derived from “Vicus mezzanicum,” hints at its ancient role as a settlement positioned between two important routes: one along the coast and another deep in the valley, connecting to Summun vicus (today’s Semovigo). By the 11th century, Mezzanego came under the jurisdiction of the Borzone Abbey, which held sway over its parishes and land until 1536. The Fieschi family of Lavagna, powerful feudal lords of the region, fortified the area with a castle. However, in 1145, the Republic of Genoa, then in conflict with the Fieschi, besieged Mezzanego, destroying its castles. The village then became part of Genoa’s dominion, falling under the capitaneate of Chiavari. The area also holds a more colourful historical note with the presence of Vincenzo Zenoglio, known as “il Crovo,” a notorious bandit who operated in the mid-16th century, even assaulting Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, before his capture and execution in 1543. Later, in 1748, the Fano del Bocco area witnessed a defeat of Austrian troops by the Genovese army, highlighting Mezzanego’s strategic importance. With the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797, Mezzanego became part of the Ligurian Republic, and later, the First French Empire. In 1815, it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia following the Congress of Vienna, eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy.

What to See

Mezzanego, despite its modest size, offers several points of interest for visitors exploring its scattered hamlets. In the area known as Castello (or Mezzanego Alto), you will find the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a structure dating back to the 17th century. Nearby, the Chapel of Sant’Anna, also from the 17th century, stands adjacent to the local cemetery. In the hamlet of Prati di Mezzanego, which serves as the municipal seat, the Church of Nostra Signora del Carmine, originally built in 1584, underwent significant revisions in the 18th century. Also in Prati, the Oratory of San Rocco, presumed to have been built in the second half of the 16th century, showcases Baroque architectural elements from the 19th century. Inside, a notable painting of the Madonna with Child and Saints Anthony and Rocco, donated by the Gandolfo family in the 16th century, adorns the apse. Other religious buildings include the 18th-century Parish Church of San Siro in San Siro Foce, and the 13th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista in Semovigo. The Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Vignolo dates from the 17th century. Among the civil structures, visitors can observe the Castello Rocca near Borgonovo Ligure, once associated with the bandit Vincenzo Zenoglio, and a medieval-style castle in Vignolo.

Nature and Surroundings

A significant portion of Mezzanego’s territory lies within the boundaries of the Aveto Regional Natural Park, a protected area highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity. Near the administrative borders with Borzonasca, on the northern slopes of Monte Zatta (1,404 m), there is an extensive beech forest featuring ancient trees. The municipal area also hosts a Site of Community Importance (SIC) recognized for its unique natural and geological value. This site, shared with neighbouring municipalities, encompasses the Monte Zatta area, Passo del Bocco, Passo Chiapparino, and Monte Bossea, covering over three thousand hectares. At Passo del Bocco, within the Aveto Park, visitors can explore the Federico Delpino Botanical Garden, named after the renowned 19th-century naturalist and botanist from Chiavari. This area offers opportunities for immersion in nature, with trails and landscapes typical of the Ligurian Apennines.

Flavours

Mezzanego’s traditional economy was rooted in agriculture, particularly the cultivation of hazelnuts, with numerous hazelnut groves still dotting the landscape. The area is a unique island of biodiversity for hazelnuts, boasting seven distinct varieties that collectively form the “Misto Chiavari” hazelnut. While the cultivation of vines and olive oil production are modest, a modern olive mill, operated by a local cooperative, was inaugurated in 2007 to support olive oil producers. While Mezzanego has its own distinctive products, the wider provincial area is known for specialties such as Basilico Genovese DOP and Focaccia di Recco col formaggio IGP. The region also produces wines under designations like Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino DOC and Colline del Genovesato IGT.

Traditions

The main patron saint of Mezzanego is San Rocco, whose feast day is celebrated on the second Sunday of August. This traditional festival provides an occasion for the community to gather and honour its patron.

How to Get Here

Mezzanego is primarily accessed by road. The town centre is traversed by State Road 586 (SS 586) della Valle dell’Aveto, which connects it to Borzonasca to the north and Carasco to the south. Other provincial roads, such as Provincial Road 37 (SP 37) di Semovigo and Provincial Road 42 (SP 42) di Romaggi, provide access to various hamlets within the municipality and neighbouring areas. Provincial Road 26 bis (SP 26 bis) di Valmogliana also serves the area, leading to Passo del Bocco, the highest hamlet in the municipality at 83 metres above sea level. Public transport services, managed by AMT Genova, offer daily bus connections from Chiavari and Carasco to Mezzanego and other localities within the municipal territory, providing a practical way to reach the village.

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