The origins of foundation of the San Fruttuoso Abbey are covered with the mist of the horrible dragon living in the cave somewhere on the Ligurian Sea coast.
The tradition goes that after his death the bishop Fruttuoso appeared in the vision experienced by five monks, and shoved them the place, where his remains should be buried.
Next part of the legend tells about the monks looking for the spot described by the bishop by the three signs: the dragon, the cave and source of fresh water.
San Fruttuoso
Guarded by the angel they arrived on the rocks of Capodimonte, where they found the dragon, defeated finally by the guardian.
Acording to this tradition the church is to be founded in 345 by San Romolo, the bishop of Genova, and dedicated to St. Nicholas, with full name : S. Nicolò di Capodimonte,
and later the abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte.
At least from the 8th century it remained as the part of Benedictine Abbey, left by the monks and sold to Doria family in 1141. It remained the property of Doria until 1983, when the complex has been donated to the heritage found Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano, who at present governs the buildings of the abbey. The church has been reopened at the end of the 19th century and the mass services are celebrated at present by the priests from Camogli.
The main construction of the building remains from Romanesque times with characteristic triforia windows and the architecture details from 12th century with later restoration additions.
The renovation held in 1925-26 unveiled the ancient frescoes, including the representation of the “Stella Maris”, a boat in stormy sea, rescued by the Virgin holding the Infant Jesus.
Surrounded by small fishermen village buildings the abbey overlooks the waters of the bay of Tigulio. Somewere near the abbey on the seabed is located the famous statue of Christ of the Abyss, placed there in 1954. At the end of the June San Fruttuoso celebrates the mass to Christ of the Abyss and night procession of boats and divers placing the laur crown on the sculpture under the sea.
The abbey regularly hosts classical concerts and light music.
Near the abbey there is a bathing beach, with a part of free access, a bathhouse, bars and food places for the tourists.
How to get to San Fruttuoso
The flight to an international airport to Genova, and the local bus, or train to located only 12km away Camogli.
Going by car the visitors can follow A12 motorway between Genova and La Spezia, and exit the motorway via Rapallo to the parking place near Portofino.
No car road, but only a narrow path lead to San Fruttuoso from Camogli via the coast near San Rocco, and even more steeper leads there from Portofino.
Both trails take good half an hour, but reward the small effort with astonishing views on the bay of Portofino Paradise.
The frequent boats based in Camogli run between the ports of Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino and S.Margherita Ligurie.
[photo courtesy of StefanoPiemonte]
