San Michele di Pagana (Ligurian: San Miche) is a village (small suburb) that is part of the municipality of Rapallo and is located about 2 kilometers south of the coast from the center of Rapallo (towards Santa Margherita Ligure), beyond the seaport of Rapallo.
San Michele di Panaga is considered one of the most beautiful corners of Rapallo, where intertwined together clean sea water and thick vegetation. Villas scattered on the hill, and the old fishing huts on the beach give this little area a certain flair.
The village probably dates back to the Roman era. These conclusions can be drawn from recent archaeological finds such as ancient vases and amphorae.
The patron is Saint Michael the Archangel. The holiday is celebrated on September 29. In the days close to the celebration, on the beach, there is paternally popular festival with food stalls and a rowing Palio.
The coast of San Michele di pagana is divided into three smaller bays (bays): Pomaro (Pomaro) were Trelo or Travello (Trelo / Travello) and Rotting (Prelo), each of which has a small beach divided by a rocky hill.
The first and largest of the three gulfs - the Gulf of Pomaro is the Central and main core of San Michele: there are a variety of commercial facilities and places for swimming.
Along the road leading from the centre of Rapallo to Santa Margherita Ligure, on the North side of the Gulf of Pomaro located unextended narrow pebble and rocky beaches. The road to the beach are stairs.
Within the Central part of the beach of the Bay of Pomaro there are both paid sites (Bangui) with all necessary infrastructure and free - where you can stay on your own towel or beach Mat.
On the beach large gray sand mixed with pebbles. Sea water is clean, depth comes rather abruptly.
Along the beach spaced, brightly painted typical Ligurian houses with cafes and restaurants on the first floors and tables under the open sky.
The second Bay (Bay) has Trelo or Travello, smaller and connected to the Gulf of Pomaro rocky stretch of coastline and the internal street.
The Bay beach is free and paleobiodiversity, gravel and rocky. The beach has a yacht club and cafes.
From the main road the beach is separated by buildings with colourful façades overlooking the Marina for small boats.
Trello Bay, third Bay Rotting separated by a rocky promontory stretching into the sea water.
On the slopes of the promontory is dominated by memorial Park (Parco delle Rimembranze), created in memory of the soldiers and fallen comrades Rapallo in two world conflicts.
Memorial Park is bordered by factional cemetery, including some valuable art-historical point of view the monuments.
Almost at the nose of the Cape is one of the main attractions of the area - the Saracen tower (Torre of pagana / Pagana Torre).
Once the tower served defensive purposes and was part of the defensive belt, built to protect against the growing number of attacks by pirates during the 16th century and the next century. The tower was built in the early 1560's.
After completion of construction, despite some financial difficulties, the defensive tower was armed and equipped with protective systems, and then transferred to the population of San Michele.
Since 1981 it belongs to the Italian environmental Fund, which has carried out the necessary work to restore the sights.
To the tower from the Park of memory leads to walking trail and near the tower there is a small observation platform.
At the top of the Cape, near the road connecting Rapallo with Santa Margherita Ligure and then Portofino, which is located only relic of San Michele di pagan - the parish Church in the Baroque style of San Michele Arcangelo (Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, Chiesa di or S. Michele di Pagana).
According to the plaque located in the building of the first date of the Church belongs 1133 year. Probably the Shrine was erected on the remains of pre-existing pagan building.
In 1581, the Church underwent the first changes in the structure and, mainly, in 1604 thanks to a donation by the Republic of Genoa funds for restructuring. Substantial interference that has affected the Church and bell tower, was carried out between 1749 and 1793 over the years, significantly changing the original structure of the Shrine.
The current Church interior has a single nave, where there is the main altar surmounted by a wooden crucifix by Anton Maria Maragliano.
Especially valuable in the walls of the Church is a painting by van Dyck, representing the Crucifixion of Jesus, probably written between 1621 and 1624 years.
The chapel near the Church, built in the former defensive wall.
Over the hill is the third and least Bay - a Bay of Rotting, which leads to the narrow street of the same name Rotting (Via Prelo), originating from the Church and representing the ladder.
The Bay beach is small, pebbly-rocky, free. Near the beach there are several buildings.
From the southern part of the Bay along the coast is the rocky headland of Punta pagan (Punta Pagana) on top of the nose with the castle of Punta Panaga (Castello di Punta Pagana) performing the functions of observation and defence, and erected in the 17th century (1625), in order to protect from pirates, enemies and mainly the Franco-Piedmontese troops.
The castle is situated within a private Park of Villa Spinola or Villa of pagana (Pagana villa / villa Spinola), which as its last owner donated the Sovereign military order of Malta. In this connection, the Villa and the adjacent Park may be known locally as the Villa of the knights of Malta, or simply as the Villa Malta.
The Villa complex pagan closed to the public and consists of villas, Park and Fort.
Behind the complex of the Villa Spinola ends Rapallo originated from the picturesque village resort of Santa Margherita Ligure. Read more about Santa Margherita Ligure...
Where to stay in San Michele di pagana
The 3-star hotel L'approdo features rooms with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms have a balcony with sea views.
Room rates include Breakfast. Link to the hotel
Villino Margiu with terrace, sea views and free Wi-Fi throughout.
There is a dining area, an equipped kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The link apartments
Apartment A beautiful apartment in a villa near the sealocated in a Villa by the sea with free Wi-Fi, a garden, a fitness centre and a sea view.
The apartment offers: kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and fridge, a living room with a Seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with a bath and a bidet.
In the price included Breakfast. The link apartments
Flexyrent apartment Girasole offers a garden, terrace and free Wi-Fi. From the Windows overlooking the garden.
The apartment has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine and a bathroom with a bidet. The link apartments
All means of accommodation in San Michele di pagana and Rapallo you can view and book here
