The alleyway of Lavagna and the basilica in the background.
Strolling through Lavagna on a mild October day, the heart of the historic center unfolds through one of its most evocative views: the main alleyway, narrow and welcoming, which leads the gaze to the majestic façade of the Basilica of Santo Stefano. The photograph taken in that moment captures the essence of this Ligurian town, where every stone tells a story and every corner invites contemplation.
The alleyway, with its stone paving and warm-colored houses, invites you to slow down. The shops, ancient doorways, and flower-filled windows create an intimate atmosphere, almost suspended in time. In the background, the Basilica of Santo Stefano rises elegantly, dominating the scene with its baroque façade and staircase adorned with sculpted lions. Built between 1650 and 1668 and consecrated in 1703, the basilica is the spiritual and architectural hub of Lavagna, elevated to a minor basilica in 1921 by Pope Benedict XV.
The soft, golden autumn light caresses the surfaces and gives depth to the image. The contrasts between shadow and sun enhance the details: the green shutters, the wrought-iron signs, the time-worn stones. It is a scene that speaks of Liguria, of the sea, and of memory, where the sacred and the everyday meet in perfect balance.
This photograph is not just a memory, but a testament to discreet beauty. An invitation to return, to lose yourself again in the alleys of Lavagna, letting yourself be guided by the scent of basil, the sound of bells, and the reassuring sight of the Basilica of Santo Stefano in the background.
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Photo taken with Oppo Reno 12.
The alleyway of Lavagna and the basilica in the background – La ruelle de Lavagna et la basilique en arrière-plan – El callejón de Lavagna y la basílica al fondo – O beco de Lavagna e a basílica ao fundo – Die Gasse von Lavagna und die Basilika im Hintergrund – Con hẻm Lavagna và nhà thờ lớn ở phía sau
The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_Santo_Stefano_%28Lavagna%29
– https://iltigullio.com/2022/03/16/basilica-di-santo-stefano-a-lavagna-la-piu-bella-del-tigullio/




