Treasure hunting on the sea of Italy – first installment

If you think of a cruise along the Italian coast, images of unspoiled nature, blue sea and bays spring up in your mind? Definitely, but if you stop and think for a moment, you will realize that the Belpaese can give you a very different cruise… perhaps pursuing those architectural and historical beauties that are our real wealth. Such as the properties protected by FAI, the Italian Environmental Fund. In this ideal sailing of ours, we have selected nine places that you can reach directly by boat or with a short trip ashore. We begin by introducing the first three, all in Liguria.

IN LIGURIA, BETWEEN PAST AND NATURE
Within a few dozen miles of each other in Liguria, you can range between the past and nature.

1. Antica Barberia Giacalone (Genoa)
Among the narrow carrugi of Genoa’s historic center, it is still possible to indulge in an old-fashioned pleasure: a close shave, where the gleaming window of this ancient barber shop opens the door to the Belle Epoque. Mirrors, stained glass, bright hues in perfect Art Deco style make it one of the city’s most fascinating secrets.
Contacts: Vicolo Nicolò Caprettari 14, Genoa, FAI Liguria Regional Secretariat, tel. 010 2091043 – Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., proprieta@fondoambiente.it
Origin: Purchase from Giacalone heirs through public subscription – 1992
Services: Barbershop service Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Directions: The Antica barberia Giacalone is located in Genoa’s historic center, a short walk from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
Where to moor: Marina Genova Aeroporto, tel. 010 6143420, www.marinagenova.it. Marina di Varazze, tel. 019 935321, www.marinadivarazze.it

2. Abbey of San Fruttuoso (Portofino, Ge)
A Benedictine monastery, a pirates’ den, a humble fishermen’s dwelling and then for centuries the property of the Doria princes, this jewel by the sea has been watching over the sea nestled at the foot of Mount Portofino for more than a thousand years.The Abbey of San Fruttuoso is a unique place where the work of man has found perfect fusion with the work of nature.
Contact: Banchina San Fruttuoso, hamlet of Camogli (GE), tel. 0185772703
fai.sanfruttuoso@fondoambiente.it
Origin: Frank and Orietta Pogson Doria Pamphilj donation – 1984
Where to moor: Porto Carlo Riva, Rapallo, tel. 0185 6891, www.portocarloriva.it

3. Carbone House (Lavagna, Ge)
A fin de siècle dwelling that faithfully and warmly preserves the domestic atmosphere and taste in living of a bygone era. Wall temperas and lively terrazzo floors accommodate art objects, ceramics and furnishings that make up an intimate and lively setting for an important nucleus of paintings from the 17th-century Ligurian school.
Contacts: Via Riboli 14, Lavagna (GE), tel. 0185393920
faicarbone@fondoambiente.it
Origin: Emanuel and Syria Carbone heritage – 1987
Where to moor: Lavagna Harbor, tel. 0185 312626, www.portodilavagna.com. Marina Chiavari, tel. tel. 0185 364081, www.marina-chiavari.it

HOW TO JOIN FAI
To concretely promote a culture of respect for the nature, art, history and traditions of Italy and to protect a heritage that is a fundamental part of our roots and identity. This is the mission of FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, a national nonprofit foundation that since 1975, following the example of the English National Trust, has saved, restored and opened to the public important testimonies of Italy’s artistic and natural heritage. Ancient mansions, castles, villas, historic parks, gardens, natural areas. In more than 30 years of activity, FAI has saved and returned to the community splendid testimonies of Italy’s heritage of art, landscape and nature. FAI operates throughout the country through its Milan headquarters and Rome office, and through a widespread network of volunteers organized in 116 Delegations, 14 Regional Secretariats in 20 Italian regions. Signing up for FAI is easy: you can do it online at www.fondoambiente.it, over the phone with a credit card by calling 02 467615259, or by Bank Transfer with IBAN code IT 46 I 03359 01600 10000 0013785. By signing up, in addition to supporting FAI, you can also visit all of the Italian Environmental Fund’s properties for free.