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The origins of Moneglia are very ancient and the stories of Greek and Etruscan colonization still remain a mystery. However, these stories slowly became more precise due to the rising of the Roman civilization and during this period the city gained its own aspect. During the Imperial and Medieval epochs, Moneglia was in the middle of a road network located in the Tyrrhenian side that connected the center of the peninsula to the north-west.
During the 12th century the city was put under the control of Genoa and here Moneglia found protection against the frequent raids by the Signori della Lunigiana. In fact it’s during this period that the Genoese built the Castle of Monleone and in the 15th century it was further reinforced thanks to the construction of the Castle of Villafranca. This castle became of great importance because it protected itself from the Saracen raids. Despite its defense system and the Fieschi feud, the castle was conquered by the Genoese adversaries such as: Duca Azzo VIII d’Este, Signore di Modena (1299), the Malaspina (1397), and the Visconti that made Moneglia return under Genoa’s rule during the first years of the1500’s. Moneglia also participated in the battle of Meloria in 1284 with its own ships against the Republic of Pisa and the war trophy won by the two links that protected the port of Pisa can be admired on the side of the Santa Croce Church.
The name of the city dates back to the Latin word “monilia” jewels, necklaces in order to strengthen the beauty of the city, which is situated on an inlet between the tip of Moneglia and the tip of Rospo and the hills behind the city are covered with a lush vegetation. In fact the city is limited on both sides by cliffs where the Monleone and Villafranca castles stand. The beauty of Moneglia, its beach, its mild climate, its sea, and its hills are covered with olive groves and woods that make Moneglia an ideal place for a relaxing vacation.
Moneglia is the birthplace of the painter Luca Cambiaso (1527-1585) and the poet Felice Romani (1789-1865). Within the parish church of Santa Croce you can admire the painting of the “Last Supper” by the Genoese painter. The Santa Croce Church was built before the year 1200 and it contains a Byzantine cross and a statue of the Maragliano. In the San Giorgio church you can admire other important paintings by Giovanni da Pisa, Barbagelata, the Adorazione dei Magi by Cambiaso, Guidobono, Carlone, and a canvas that dates back to Rubens. For nature lovers there are many excursions as well as the seabed that unites the beauty of the land.
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