Laying in the heart of the Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante’s must-dos are precious in one’s global travels and discoveries. Abode to infamous writer Hans Christian Andersen in 1835, the once maritime and merchant hub town of Sestri Levante in Ligura, Italy lies on the Mediterranean Sea about 56 kilometers south of Genova. This town presents any visitor with a visual feast of beautifully aged structures, rocky coastal lines and endless sea, all sealed with the charm of the surrounding entrenched venerable fishing ports (all with a story to tell).

Embraced by the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables) and the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence), the multitude of ports breath life with their bathing establishments and fresh seafood. The winding streets of this town hold an array of cafes, trattorias, gelatorias and upscale shops that are frequented not only by tourists, but locals from neighboring towns. Much charm stirs this town for its ancient stories. A visit would thus be incomplete without attending to these must sees and must dos:

1. The Castle Ruins

The stories of these edifices in Sestri began in 1089 when the Island of Sestri Levante became the domain of the Republic of Genoa. During such days, Sestri was constant prey for raids and deportations by the pirates and Saracens. With the intent to protect its people, the consuls of Genoa erected the Castle of Sestri in 1145 and onwards; edifices of defense continued to rise. 

2. Church of San Nicola (Saint Nicolo)

On a historic day in 1151 AD, the first major church, the San Nicolò dell'isola di Sestri Levante church, was built here. This church was built upon analogous motives as the construction of the castles: safety and protection of the people. The edifice was partially transformed in the 15^th century, and once again, altered during the Baroque period. However, the most recent renovation returned to this sacred edifice--its original face and structure. The church remains in sanctified operations today.

 3. The Marconi Tower

Originally erected for defense purposes, this tower built in the 13th century was eventually used by the famous scientist, Guglielmo Marconi, to conduct his experiments between 1932 and 1934. Marconi developed the radio telegraph system, which served as the foundation for development in the field onwards. For his priceless contributions in the development of wireless telegraphy, Marconi was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics.

4. Rizzi Gallery (La Galleria Rizzi)

Home to an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures dating as far back to the 15^th century, as well as some objets d’art, this art gallery is principally renowned for its treasured collection of paintings from the Genovese School.

5. Antique Villas

Magnificent structures once belonging to Genovese aristocrats continue to breathe life on the streets of Sestri. These historic edifices from the 17th and 18th century that fill the town were once owned by a number of infamous Aristocrats such as Doria, Fieschi, Balbi, Sartorio, Cambiaso and Pallavicini.

There are a number of other sacred establishments that are a must-visit for every guest and these include: Basilica of Santa Maria of Nazareth, the Church of San Pietro in Vincolli and the Church of Santa Sabina in Trigoso. Lastly, but most definitely not least, do take a trip to the infamous picturesque towns of Portofino and Moneglia; these also lie just a few kilometers from Sestri.