Portofino (Italian pronunciation: [ˌpɔrtoˈfiːno]; Ligurian: Portofin [ˌpɔɾtuˈfiŋ]) is a comune located in the Metropolitan City of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is clustered around its small harbour, and is known for the colourfully painted buildings that line the shore.[3] Since the late 19th century Portofino has attracted tourism of the European aristocracy and it is now a resort for the world's jet set.[4][5] History[edit]Pliny the Elder (AD 23 – AD 79) referred to Portus Delphini (Port of the Dolphin) as on the Ligurian coast between Genoa and the Gulf of Tigullio.[6] The village is mentioned in a diploma from 986 by Adelaide of Italy, which assigned it to the nearby Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte. In 1171, together with the neighbouring Santa Margherita Ligure, it was included in Rapallo's commune jurisdiction. After 1229 it was part of the Republic of Genoa. The town's natural harbour supported a fleet of fishing boats, but was somewhat too cramped to provide more than a temporary safe haven for the growing merchant marine of the Republic of Genoa. In 1409 Portofino was sold to the Republic of Florence by Charles VI of France, during the period that he was also lord of the Genoese Republic, but when the latter was ousted from Genoa the Florentines gave it back. In the 15th century it was a fief of families such as the Fieschi, Spinola, Adorno, and Doria. In 1815 it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and, from 1861, of the unified Kingdom of Italy. In the late 19th century, first British, then other Northern European aristocratic tourists began to visit Portofino, which they reached by horse and cart from Santa Margherita Ligure. Aubrey Herbert and Elizabeth von Arnim were among the more famous English people to make the area fashionable.[7] Eventually, more expatriates built expensive holiday houses, and by 1950 tourism had replaced fishing as the town's chief industry, and the waterfront was a continuous ring of restaurants and cafés. Main sights[edit]
Panoramic view of Portofino Portofino cemetery and Castello Brown In popular culture[edit]
Notable residents[edit]
Twin towns[edit]See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
Why is Portofino so famous?Portofino became known for its amazingly beautiful harbour and the clean water. The village quickly became popular as an exclusive resort for Europe's richest people. Many noblemen and other notable families built summer residences here.
Is Portofino Italy worth visiting?Portofino is insanely beautiful. However, the town is a little pricey and is better accessed from outposts like the ones we share here. The small fishing village of Portofino, right on the Italian Riviera, is a devastatingly beautiful travel destination—that writers and historians have long celebrated—and frolicked in.
Is Portofino a real place in Italy?Portofino (Italian pronunciation: [ˌpɔrtoˈfiːno]; Ligurian: Portofin [ˌpɔɾtuˈfiŋ]) is a comune located in the Metropolitan City of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is clustered around its small harbour, and is known for the colourfully painted buildings that line the shore.
How many days do you need in Portofino?How many days to spend in Portofino? Portofino is a good destination for a day tour but we suggest spending some days in the area to explore the beautiful surroundings too. In this case, consider at least 2 nights.
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