The fascinating “La Cervara” San Girolamo Abbey rises steeply above the sea on the splendid coast of the Ligurian Riviera between Portofino and Santa Margherita. A mysterious mix of history and legend tells of the visits by the poet, Francesco Petrarch, by Pope Gregory XI and by Guglielmo Marconi. The most prominent historical traces relate to the imprisonment of the king of France, Francis I, defeated at Pavia by Charles V in 1525. La Cervara was started in 1361, when it was decided to build a new monastery dedicated to San Girolamo [“Saint Jerome”]. Benedictine monks designed the structure and were the initial inhabitants.

It was at the height of Humanism and the Renaissance, however, that the monastery enjoyed the greatest splendour, with its architectural layout and its quadrangular cloisters, while the sixteenth-century tower was built for defence from the dreaded Saracens. In 1900, the present owners produced the definitive recovery plan, which was implemented under the supervision of the Environmental and Architectural Heritage Service. The work done was carried out according to the plan by the architect Mide Osculati, and with the participation of painting restorer, Brambilla Bracilon.
On 29 June 2000, the “La Cervara” Foundation was created with the aim of promoting and using to best advantage, in Italy and abroad, the whole monumental complex of San Girolamo Abbey, a cultural centre rich in history, art and nature. Seeking to increase activities and assets inside the Abbey, the Foundation co-operates with local, national and international organizations, proposing events of a high cultural level such as concerts, meetings, seminars and round tables in addition to private parties and stylish weddings. In view of this, the agreement endorsed by the Province of Genoa for utilization of Religious Complexes was an important step.

The Foundation, set up as a non-profit making organization, enjoys the active support of the industrial world and of both public and private institutions.

Guided tours take place on the first and third Sunday each month whereas, for other days, advance booking is necessary. La Cervara is open all year round, has the most sophisticated audiovisual and multimedia systems and can take up to 500 people.

For those interested in visiting or reading about the Abbey, we give the following particulars:
La Cervara Abbey
Lungomare Rossetti - 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure
tel. +39-0185-293139, fax. +39-0185-291270
e-mail abbazia@cervara.it.