Monday, January 25, 2010

a walk in Portofino...


Oh to have been around during the time of Plinio il Vecchio and to have seen the many dolphins swimming in the neighboring waters of this place...  For it was he who first named this beautiful harbour "Portus Delphini" after his experiences here.

 The characteristic fishermen houses, that snugly line the coast of the harbour and reflect in the blue sea, are supported on one another and distinguished apart only by their delicate colors.

The importance of this village grew in the medieval age thanks to its natural port that offered secure landing and shelter to the sailing ships of the period. This happens to be the most famous harbour, and I've heard in the world,  that is set in the middle of a natural peninsula formed by the inlet of Portofino Bay.

Castello Brown perches high above the village. After we followed a small winding path, we reached the castel where a museum, gardens, and breathtaking views over the bay and the Gulf of Tigullio were waiting.
 
A magical place...


The entire walk had me wanting to discover what was around each corner.  This scenic pathway eventually takes you out to the lighthouse, faro, on Punta del Capo where you can sit back and watch the sun set...

Portofino, we'll be back...

6 comments:

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Hi Jill

We had a lovely day out there too! We walked up through the trees to the castle. Never knew which path to take...wanted to see it all..it is beautiful there on a clear day.

Kitty said...

What beautiful places you and Antonello have discovered in your travels! Thanks for continuing to share them with us all.

Hugs,

MUM

jmisgro said...

Wow that castello beats the one on my blog!
It's amazing how different they are!

Jill said...

Anne in Oxfordshire, happy to hear that you also experienced this gem of a place. I must go back for another visit in the spring to see the harbor alive with fishermen at work!

Mum, as always, my pleasure...

jmisgro, I've never been to Brolo. But, if it reminds you of Galveston, I'll be sure to take a visit. When I worked on the cruise ship our home port was out of Galveston... Nice memories.

Espresso said...

Bellissimo posto!

Di said...

I loved it there too, having avoided it, staying close to Genova, my first love however ... I was impressed when I finally arrived.
Lovely blog you have here.