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Church · Portofino, Liguria
Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
Medieval abbey in a bay of the Portofino promontory, with no road access, housing the tombs of the Doria family and a watchtower from 1562.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
The Abbazia di San Fruttuoso lies in a small bay on the west side of the Portofino promontory, in the territory of Camogli. There is no road access: it is reached by boat or on foot via the park's trails. The present abbey probably dates from the mid-9th century and was rebuilt between the 10th and 11th centuries.
In the 13th century, the Doria family, one of Gênova's most powerful families, expanded the complex and used one of the rooms as a cemetery. There are the tombs of seven family members who died between 1275 and 1305. In 1562, Andrea Doria's heirs built the watchtower that bears the family name, to protect the bay from pirates.
In 1983 the Doria Pamphilj family donated the abbey to the FAI, the Italian heritage fund, which manages visits. In the bay, at about 17 meters deep, is the Cristo degli Abissi, a bronze statue placed on the seabed in 1954.
Besides the abbey, the bay has a small pebble beach and some fishermen's houses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Around 1 hour at the abbey; half a day including the boat or the trail.
Best time
In the morning, before the boats get fuller. The abbey is open year-round, with shorter hours in winter, and may close when the sea suspends boat services; check before you go.
How to get there
By boat: from Camogli there are departures year-round; from Portofino, Santa Margherita and Rapallo in season, which usually runs from spring to autumn. On foot: park trails from Portofino or from Portofino Vetta, about 1h30, with ascents and descents.
Tip
Check the time of the last boat before leaving. For the trail, wear trainers or boots and bring water: it's not a flip‑flop walk.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
How to get to San Fruttuoso?
Only by boat or on foot. From Camogli there are boats year‑round; from Portofino, Santa Margherita and Rapallo in season. The trail from Portofino takes about 1h30.
Is the abbey open all year?
Yes, with shorter hours in winter. It may close when the sea is rough and boats do not run. Check before you go.
What is the Cristo degli Abissi?
It is a bronze statue of Christ placed on the seabed of the bay in 1954, at a depth of about 17 metres. It is seen by divers.
Who takes care of the abbey?
The FAI, the Italian fund for heritage, which received the abbey as a donation from the Doria Pamphilj family in 1983.