If you are looking to go off the beaten track around Cinque Terre, consider visiting the small town of Cervo. This gorgeous colored village on the Ligurian coast, is particularly famous because of the breathtaking San Giovanni Battista dei Corallini (Church of San Giovanni).
San Giovanni Battista dei Corallini
This church is the central attraction of this town and gorgeous inside out. The construction of this grand church started in 1686 by Marvaldi from Conio. He, along with his son Giacomo Filippo, completed the church by 1778. However, in 1887, the church was damaged in a devastating earthquake that rocked most of the area and Southern France. It left over 2000 people dead and the church in a mess!!
You can imagine how difficult it was to restore it. It took over 50-60 years to restore parts of the church along with the bell tower!!
The picture above shows San Giovanni Battista glistening from the sea.
The town of Cervo looks strikingly beautiful because of the facade of this church which is detailed and beautiful.
I especially loved the dull pastel shades that are soothing and feminine. The inside of the church is breathtaking. It is marbled and part baroque style interiors along with a pulpit from the 16th century. There are also several rich wooden carvings and exquisite altars.
But of course nothing beats the view from outside the church!!
The church of San Giovanni is really a sight to sore eyes. It makes you go WHOA!! Then all you want to do is keep looking at it 😉
My friend Adriana Oberto lives only half a kilometer from the church and has some amazing shots from her home:
Related Reading:
14 Comments
5 Beautiful Towns in Liguria (Beyond Cinque Terre) – Italophilia
October 1, 2021 at 8:00 pm[…] pastel colored homes, Cervo has several tiny mysterious alleys. The highlight of this town is Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista that overlooks the […]
25 Incredible Photos from Cervo in Western Liguria – Italophilia
September 22, 2020 at 1:38 pm[…] being close to France. I was fortunate to see the pastel colored town of Cervo and the breathtaking baroque church of San Giovanni Battista two years ago. Today I’m pleased to welcome photographer Adriana Oberto, who shows us the […]
KareninCalabria
December 6, 2018 at 11:51 amAs you say, really striking in context – love the pastels!
Italophilia
December 7, 2018 at 10:22 amSeriously so different!
Lorelle
December 3, 2018 at 4:40 pmCerto Ishita, that is a glorious church. Xx
Italophilia
December 3, 2018 at 5:02 pmI know right. A romantic town too!
Francis Pettitt
December 3, 2018 at 6:51 amAnother lovely place to visit on my wish list!
Italophilia
December 3, 2018 at 5:01 pmI hope it’s soon!
Darlene Foster
December 3, 2018 at 3:14 amThat is an amazing church.
Italophilia
December 3, 2018 at 4:54 pmSeriously you have to visit!
Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels
December 3, 2018 at 1:28 amamazing church indeed
Italophilia
December 3, 2018 at 4:54 pmIt’s a sight to behold!
Pamela Allegretto
December 2, 2018 at 11:59 pmSuch fabulous photos.
Italophilia
December 3, 2018 at 4:54 pmThank you! It’s amazing