recollection and dream of the strange magic of being a child” by Alfonso Femia The project to design a new children’s cultural centre inside what was formerly Villa Sottanis in Casarza Ligure involves the construction of a library, toy library and auditorium. © Ernesta CaviolaA number of verses written by Gianni Rodari, who was and still is the greatest fairy tale writer of the 20th century, have been chosen to represent the new centre. The cultural and playful nature of the project can be interpreted through his works that the building explicitly pays tribute to. SectionThe key words underscoring the design philosophy/strategy are villa, interior, exterior, multi-functionality, flexibility, new, old, pathway, surprise, public, “homely”, day and night. These words are aimed at providing clarity without losing anything, emphasising without reciting, using without devaluing. © Ernesta CaviolaThis strategy has been developed around the following points: - bringing out the “square-shaped” villa layout adapted to its new usage, completely eliminating the distribution system from the interior outline of the old construction. - creating seamless interaction between the interior of the ground-floor library and the outside public space, constructing a new terrace to shape the “foot” of the Villa, so that it can be used more dynamically in conjunction with the garden. © Ernesta Caviola- define a “stratigraphic” parallel by means of overlapping functions through the use of materials [stone, resin, wood, slate roofing] - create a distribution system as a combination of elements “joined” to the Villa, elements “interposed” with the area in question [bringing forward the transparent stairwell and lift shaft], and elements “anchored” to the main structure [outside fire escape]. - pay homage to Gianni Rodari through a blend of reality and magic. © Ernesta CaviolaThe project involves totally re-functionalising the Villa by dividing up/layering spaces capable of dialoguing with the construction and its “modern-day” usage. SectionThe dividing up of the different levels will be altered to make the second floor higher, which is currently lower than the ground and first floors. This will involve eliminating the under-roof in order to create a 147-seat conference room in one single space set beneath the new wooden roof, maintaining the geometric pattern of existing pitches. © Ernesta CaviolaAs regards the interior dividing up of the Villa [that extends over three levels covering a total of approximately 600 m²] it has been decided to keep the existing ground floor layouts while opening up the upper  levels to give them greater sweep by reducing the number of rooms in favour of new and more spacious premises in view of their new purpose future versatility and a kind of multi-functionality planned to be bestowed on the building You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Co-directed by Roberto Maggi (of the Direzione Regionale per i Beni culturali e paesaggistici della Liguria) and Mark Pearce in collaboration with cavers from the Centro Studi Sotterranei in Genoa and colleagues from the University of Nottingham School of Geography Excavation seasons: 1996 - 2001; surveying seasons: 1997 - 2000 The Monte Loreto copper mine is situated near Masso (Castiglione Chiavarese - GE) in the hinterland of Sestri Levante in eastern Liguria Radiocarbon dates demonstrate that the mines were exploited from the mid fourth to the early third millennium cal making Monte Loreto the earliest identified copper mine in western Europe Our excavations at Monte Loreto have documented prehistoric mines and ore-dressing facilities at various locations on the slopes of the mountain Figure 2: Inside a prehistoric copper mine (photo: copyright Roberto Bixio There were various types of mine - some dug out the ore veins in fissures at the contact between the basalt and an outcrop of serpentinite breccia; trench mines and shafts were also present Some of the fissures were backfilled in antiquity perhaps for stability as the basalt country rock fractures easily The presence of charcoal and smooth rock faces may document fire setting whilst notches cut into the rock may be interpreted as hand and foot-holes cut out to ease access (as in nineteenth-century mining practice) or lodgings for prehistoric scaffolding Figure 3: Notches cut into the side of a mine - hand and foot-holes or lodgings for prehistoric scaffolding (photo: Mark Pearce) They were notched or single or double-grooved for hafting The hammerstones are mostly made of basalt diorite and gabbro; some of them were sourced some kilometres from the site Ore treatment is documented by a series of dumps of graded and sorted mining débris mostly consisting of country rock and gangue Some of these dumps contain large fragments of country rock mixed with broken and use-worn hammer-stones and are probably the result of ore beneficiation This would have had to be carried out without the aid of water as the nearest springs and watercourses are at some distance below the site There is as yet no clear evidence for smelting at the site Evidence for late Antique activity at the site is investigated by a project directed by Fabrizio Benente of the University of Genoa the Soprintendenza Archeologica della Liguria the Comunità montana 'Val Petronio' and the communes of Sestri Levante R. Maggi and M. Pearce, 2005. Mid fourth-millennium copper mining in Liguria, north-west Italy: the earliest known copper mines in Western Europe, Antiquity 79 (303): 66-77 Strumenti litici per estrazione mineraria: il caso di Monte Loreto (IV millennio BC) Atti della XXXIX Riunione Scientifica: materie prime e scambi nella preistoria italiana Nel cinquantenario della fondazione dell'Istituto Italiano di Preistoria e Protostoria Florence: Istituto Italiano di Preistoria e Protostoria Stima della produzione mineraria del distretto di Sestri Levante fra IV e III millennio BC' Bordighera - Finale Ligure: Istituto Internazionale di Studi Liguri (Collezione di Monografie Preistoriche ed Archeologiche 15) 'Hammerstones from early copper mines': sintesi dei ritrovamenti nell'Europa e nel Mediterraneo orientale e prime considerazioni sui mazzuoli di Monte Loreto (IV millennio BC - Liguria) Excavations at the fourth millennium cal BC copper mines at Monte Loreto (Liguria - NW Italy) Milan: Associazione Italiana di Metallurgia Monte Loreto: un sito preistorico di estrazione mineraria University of NottinghamUniversity Park Nottingham Contact details Archaeology twitter Classics twitter Connect with the University of Nottingham through social media and our blogs Flower Riviera Palms Riviera Genoa and surroundings Portofino and the Tigullio The Cinque Terre Gulf of Poets Liguria will amaze you even at Christmas: during the holidays in its villages, you will find a thousand nativity scenes, amid ancient flavours and entertainments. And, the atmosphere of the winter sea is unmissable. Here is a pocket guide to the nativity scenes in Liguria Below are the most important events that light up the festivities from west to east at the parish church of Sant’Antonio Abate the traditional mass will be sung by the “Cantoria” of Dolceacqua there will be a market and a concert by the City Band at 6:00 pm in the parish church the Dusäigöti will offer a walking route around the traditional fires “Cantendu denäi au fœgu” with Soundpressure Departure from “Fravega” (via Dante Alighieri) at 9:00 pm the long-awaited lantern festival for young and old returns; it starts from Piazza Garibaldi at 5:00 pm with the Theatre of a Thousand Colours that will guide you through the streets of the village immersed in a charming Christmas atmosphere with many surprises there is a route among nativity scenes with the “Presepiando Festival” featuring 20 participating commercial activities [Link to visit Dolceacqua: https://www.visitdolceacqua.it] Bordighera shines with winter lights and colours  A rich program of events in the city that enchanted Monet to experience Christmas in a magical atmosphere with the whole family: Christmas markets it’s known: those who want to give a nice Christmas present must wait for the traditional “Historical Fair of Santa Lucia” on December 11th and surprises of the 10th edition of Christmas at Villa Boselli await young and old at the spectacular inauguration of the Christmas village on Friday offering unforgettable tastings of local specialties and items made by local artisans the eighth edition of “Uparte Natale” is ready to amaze from Saturday an exhibition dedicated to art and creative craftsmanship by Elimond and wooden toys will also be accompanied by an unmissable appointment with workshops by the winning artists of the “Visions of Notes and Poetry” competition Waiting for Christmas in San Bartolomeo al Mare  the traditional Christmas market of San Bartolomeo al Mare awaits you on Friday in the charming village of the province of Imperia “Waiting for Christmas” is the name of the 2023 edition that will bring handmade products and hot chocolate to Torre Santa Maria square from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm you will find many opportunities for your Christmas gifts starting with the “Christmas Magic Village,” a traditional Christmas market with a Nordic touch set up inside the San Josemaria Escrivà Gardens you’ll discover gift ideas such as handmade Christmas items The markets will be open from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sundays Musical events and animations for children and families will accompany your shopping Don’t miss the “Elf Workshop” for the little ones with baby-dance while the music of the “U Gumbu de Loa-Verzi” concert and the gospel musical show by The Soul of Gospel will liven up the village on several occasions The attraction will be open on the following days: Saturday there will be a large fair for last-minute shopping and a Santa Claus Walk from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm Check the City of Savona website for all other scheduled events at the headquarters of the Circle of Artists of Pozzo Garitta in Albissola Marina the twenty-first edition of the “Christmas Ceramics” exhibition will take place with over 200 participants from Italy and abroad to celebrate the wonderful artistic adventure of the region The inauguration of the traditional event will take place on Saturday while opening hours will be as follows: from Monday to Friday A series of three appointments for young and old at the Casa Museo Jorn during the second edition of “Christmas at Casa Jorn.” At 4:00 pm on Saturday children can participate in plastic manipulation workshops creating a Christmas object from Nordic fairy tales the workshop will feature collage and painting workshops to create Christmas self-portraits The event will conclude with a toast on Thursday with a guided tour of the museum and an aperitif with focaccia Four municipalities join for the Christmas celebrations: from December 1st The program will be divided among the four villages: Finalmarina/Finalborgo/Finalpia/Varigotti with special events and activities proposed by various associations in the area Discover the entire event program on the Finale Ligure City website the city of the kiss and the small wall will be under the spotlight with initiatives and markets of Alassio Christmas Town The first day of the Christmas event will be rich in activities from the delivery of the prestigious “Alassino d’oro” in the Parish Hall of the Ancient Collegiate of Sant’Ambrogio to the scenic race of Santa Clauses from the Alassio Pier a route of 2.5 km to be covered with a Santa Claus hat for glory and for the mulled wine at the end of the race Rapallo Xmas Festival is the grand Christmas festival that will involve Rapallo during the holiday season themed workshops for children and teenagers Santa Margherita Ligure: Santa Claus Village  with the lighting of the large tree and the city lights followed by the inauguration of Santa Claus Village at 2:30 pm in Giardini a Mare and Piazza V Santa Claus Village at Giardini a Mare will be open every day with a food area and a dedicated space for special events as well as booths presenting a wide range of products including promotional and cultural activities The Elf House will also be present at Santa Claus Village available for the little ones and where the Elves will be waiting for you Sestri Levante between villages and music  the Christmas Village returns to Piazza Bo with the lighting of Christmas trees and the opening of traditional markets following the following hours: from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and games for young and old will be the undisputed protagonists of an event that will involve the center of Sestri Levante all children can also deliver their letters to Santa Claus hoping to find their favorite toys under the tree on the occasion of the patronal feast of San Nicolò the Christmas Party will enliven Villa Ragone starting from 11:30 am with a treasure hunt Are you looking for a glamorous destination for your Christmas Portofino and its Christmas events could be just what you’re looking for the chosen date for the traditional Fire Ceremony and the lighting of the Tree in the little square the pearl of Tigullio will welcome the festivities in grand style parking should be free between 4:00 pm and 12:00 am so don’t miss the opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening in a stunning location the whole village mobilizes with Christmas decorations in the narrow streets and in the sites of the local community for the third edition of the Christmas markets you can enjoy local products and admire the creations of local artisans while sipping mulled wine Unmissable are also the animations and the visit to the “Santa’s Mine,” a journey in the XX Settembre gallery with the geologists of the Archaeological Mining Museum The Oratorio Antico also proposes the “Nativity Village,” set up with creations made for the occasion by the young artistic collective while the Parish Church of San Michele exhibits the nativity scene in Genoese style Santo Stefano D’Aveto: the true atmosphere of Christmas  enveloped in the atmosphere of enchanted mountains warmed by the sun’s warmth the Christmas markets “Art and Flavors” will bring handmade products and gastronomic excellences of the valley to the Bocciodromo Arvigo in Santo Stefano d’Aveto The opening days will be as follows: Saturday the opening of Santa’s House is scheduled for Saturday The attraction will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the same days as the market at Bocciodromo Arvigo prepare your letters and don’t forget to deliver them to the host participants in various initiatives can also experience a unique adventure with the donkeys of La Villa enjoying an unprecedented tour of the country starting from the entrance of the Castle reservation at the La Ghianda Agricultural Company is recommended Don’t miss the appointment with the local craftsmen and the meeting with Santa Claus the little ones can deliver their letters or directly entrust dreams and wishes to Père Noël the historic center of the town in the province of Genoa will host a traditional Christmas market in the spaces of disused commercial premises Participants can appreciate local artisanal products taste the main culinary excellences of the Genoese region and experience the magic of traditional dances and games with melodies of fifes and accordions and Christmas decorations fifth-grade children in Uscio are ready to make the Christmas season in Liguria even more special their markets will enliven the town gardens with the proceeds of the day going towards the realization of the end-of-year play Do you want to discover the Val Fontanabuona during the Christmas season Santa Claus himself awaits young and old amidst traditional games there will be the “saddle baptism” with ponies provided by ASD El-Rancho will inaugurate the new season of cribs in the church square The evocative event will be accompanied by a choir and traditional Christmas songs also providing attendees with sweets and Ippocrasso the Christmas lights will illuminate the various hamlets of the town in the province of Genoa all connected by a free train starting at 10 am the gardens of Tavola Bronzea will welcome inflatable games Santa’s house will open its doors to the little ones with sweets The streets of the hamlet will then be the stage for musical performances during the afternoon closing the day with an exhibition of vintage postcards in the council hall and a Gospel choir in the church of San Rocco starting at 6 pm the market of hobbyists awaits enthusiasts and curious visitors with games and many gastronomic surprises the magic of cribs and Christmas decorations will envelop the hamlet of Mainetto from early morning offering hot chocolate and even an exciting dog show The magic of Christmas envelops and involves the Ligurian seaside village of Moneglia and much more await you on Corso Longhi from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday Among the events not to be missed is also the Christmas Party on December 23rd in Piazza delle Poste Pro Loco awaits the little ones with animations parades of “Christmas jesters,” and the inevitable greeting from Santa Claus in person The anticipation of Christmas at La Gaiazza  The events leading up to December 25th also pass through the municipality of Ceranesi and families for an unmissable Christmas event the parish of Giovi awaits you for a traditional Christmas market with exhibitions and sales of local craftsmanship the proceeds of which will go to social projects for the community The hours will be as follows: from 9:30 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm on Friday Christmas markets in Villavecchia in Ronco Scrivia  The magic of Christmas is ready to return along the ancient Via Postumia with the thirteenth edition of the Villavecchia markets more than 60 stands will exhibit artisanal products also offering among the many novelties a Lego exhibition at the city library and the Columbia cinema An essential stop for all Christmas lovers is the appointment with the Cribs in the Village an event organized by Pro Loco Borgo Fornari APS in its third edition visitors can participate in a special contest by exhibiting their small crib in the most characteristic corners of the high Scrivia valley village the most original will be rewarded with a surprise prize Artisans and hobbies on display in Rovegno  the Christmas markets of Rovegno return with artisanal objects and stands with mulled wine and hot chocolate scattered through the streets of the village it will also be possible to taste local products in rustic sandwiches the Christmas elf will await the letters of the little ones in his little house The unmissable day will close with the show of the Teatro Scalzo Company The Tradition of the San Nicola Market in Genoa  the oldest market in the Superba (Genoa) returns to Piazza Piccapetra from Friday The thirty-fourth edition awaits both young and old with stands filled with gastronomic delights and traditional objects the proceeds of which will be donated to charity for solidarity projects in the city The Art of Wood Takes Over Piazza Matteotti  artisanal stands and local gastronomic products will take over the spaces of Piazza Matteotti will include 27 exhibitors from Liguria and neighboring regions Discovering Forte Tenaglie in a Christmas Key  Christmas stalls will display handmade creations by local artisans and typical Christmas symbols from 3 pm to 8 pm Don’t miss the guided tour of the Fort and its “Santa Barbara” at 3:30 pm The Christmas Market of the Dopolavoro Ferroviario Genova in Rivarolo  the Arena Albatros in Rivarolo will be filled with stalls and music with the third edition of the Christmas market of the Dopolavoro Ferroviario of Genoa do not miss the distribution of cheese focaccia The (Christmas) Book Fair in Galleria Mazzini  the 97th edition of the Book Fair in Genoa is perfect for you In the marvelous spaces of Galleria Mazzini will offer a series of literary gift ideas taking you on an unforgettable journey through novels and Christmas tales especially in the year of Genoa as the Italian Capital of the Book will have an even more special flavor and will be open every day until January 7 Via XXV Aprile awaits the curious with stands and exhibitors who will showcase fabrics and handmade products from the communities supported by Helpcode in Cambodia The market will be open from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm the artisanal and gastronomic markets of Apparizione will officially inaugurate the Christmas season Santa Claus will wait for children’s letters in his house participants can enjoy the traditional polenta dinner and the subsequent burraco and cirulla tournament featuring a series of unmissable activities and the award ceremony for the “O Pandoce ciù bon di Paisciun” contest a rich artistic exhibition conceived and organized by the Teatro Scalzo Company will enliven the streets of the capital of La Spezia with shows The series of events will accompany the queen of the Gulf of Poets towards Christmas offering a variety of performances for both adults and children including charming city parades featuring musicians and stilt walkers Four Villages and a Christmas: Discover the Cinque Terre and Val Petronio in a Christmas Key the Cinque Terre is one of the most picturesque and charming places in the whole country be careful not to consider them exclusively summer destinations ignoring the more intimate and hidden charm of the winter season and the nativity scenes scattered from Moneglia to Sestri Levante through the events of the “Four Villages and a Christmas” project there will be a real “magical forest” in Piazza Matteotti an almost fairytale place animated by Christmas characters have been renewed with new low-consumption LED lights and the installation of dedicated timers The lighting is scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday there will be many activities related to environmental issues combining territorial promotion with citizen awareness of environmental respect and sustainability There will also be artisanal nativity scenes in the Civic Palace as well as an ice skating rink and the traditional Christmas train that will cross the city Lerici and its Villages and the Magic of Christmas  the magic of Christmas will conquer Lerici and its surroundings with activities “The magic box tells” will bring theatres and readings for children aged 5 to 10 to the village the 45th edition of Christmas Bazar will illuminate Lerici’s Municipal Palace attracting the curious and tourists to the English market stalls organised by the International Women’s Club of La Spezia on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception games and creative workshops will wait for the little ones for the first edition of Xmas Lerici in the spaces of the Municipal Palace in Piazza Bagigalupi from 10 am to 6 pm discover the magic of Christmas in beautiful Porto Venere Start your winter visit to Byron’s village among the craft and gastronomic stalls of the Christmas markets and mulled wine will attract curious visitors to Porto Venere and alle Grazie also reserving a series of initiatives and meetings with Santa Claus for the little ones the Christmas Concert of the students of the Liceo Costa della Spezia awaits you in the charming church of San Lorenzo Another unmissable event is the special Submarine Christmas an initiative by Spezia SUB that will take place on Sunday Have you never visited medieval Ameglia or have you never done it at Christmas don’t miss the opportunity to experience a wandering Christmas in the town halfway between Liguria and Tuscany a walk through the streets of Caprione will kick off a month of events and markets you can be enchanted by the colours and scents of the hobby and gastronomic market with workshops and activities also dedicated to children and families Among the main events in December in Ameglia the lighting of the Christmas tree in all the fractions of the municipality stands out on Friday the Fiumaretta location will be filled with artisanal and gastronomic markets starting at 2 pm reserving a show with Christmas carols performed by schools at 4 pm The day will end with the arrival of Santa Claus in the evening and the collection of letters from the little participants the famous Santa Claus will land on the shores of the town the Bocca di Magra location will host a treasure hunt and the awaited concert by the Santo Stefano di Magra Philharmonic by the EsaEnsemble of La Spezia at the Parish Church of San Vincenzo in Ameglia will follow the Fiumaretta location will host a musical show called “In… Christmas song,” scheduled at 3:30 pm in the Church of Sant’Isidoro Deiva Marina and the Christmas Tree Festival The wonder of Christmas trees will conquer the alleys of Mezzema starting at 2:30 pm on Thursday The inevitable symbol of the most beloved holiday of the year will colour the streets of Deiva Marina triggering a real contest that will reward the most beautiful decoration of this year Hot chocolate and other products for a warm Christmas snack will not be missing The colours of Christmas are ready to conquer the Fieschi Castle in Varese Ligure with the markets on Sunday will be open from 3 pm on the following days: from Friday Waiting for Christmas in Rocchetta di Vara Games and workshops for the little ones will animate the village of Rocchetta di Vara until November 30 and from Thursday The event will end with the final party on Thursday organised by the Municipality and the Pro Loco of Rocchetta di Vara Stai già fantasticando su un viaggio in Liguria?Trasforma la tua fantasia in realtà e pianifica la tua prossima vacanza Are you already fantasising about a trip to Liguria?Turn your dream into reality and plan your next holiday Are you already fantasising about a trip to Liguria Turn your dream into reality and plan your next holiday Stai già fantasticando su un viaggio in Liguria Trasforma la tua fantasia in realtà e pianifica la tua prossima vacanza Dichiarazione di accessibilità Accessibility statement Amministrazione trasparente fino al 28.02.2025 Transparent administration until 28.02.2025 Amministrazione trasparente dal 01.03.2025 Transparent administration from 01.03.2025 PagoPA Lerici-Ceparana (Falconara San Terenzo 15 referee Ravenna from Chiavari).