Case Lovara: the jewel of Punta Mesco

Walking along the AV5T path (ex n. 1) between Levanto and Monterosso, just before reaching the splendid promontory of Punta Mesco, you cross the Case Lovara farm, 45 hectares of agricultural terraces and a forest of holm oaks and pines on which three buildings stand .

The property was donated by the Fiascherino real estate to FAI in 2009 which, with the fundamental contribution of the Zegna Foundation and the patronage of the Municipality of Monterosso and the Cinque Terre National Park, proceeded to restore the buildings and recover the surrounding landscape, restoring the traditional agricultural activity consisting of vineyards, olive groves, orchards and horticultural crops in general.

After 50 years of abandonment, this enchanting corner of Liguria, inside the Cinque Terre National Park, has come back to life, rediscovering its appearance and its ancient agricultural vocation, thanks to a project that integrates nature, history and culture, the all in the name of sustainability given the extreme fragility of the territory; in fact, 60% of the energy requirement for crops comes from renewable sources.

After crossing the farm, continuing in the direction of Monterosso, you reach the top of the promontory of Punta Mesco, where you can enjoy an incredible glimpse of the whole coast with the five nestled villages and the promontory of San Pietro in Portovenere with the islands of the Palmaria and del Tino in the background.

Right on the highest point of the promontory are the ruins of the ancient hermitage of Sant’Antonio, founded by the Augustinian monks around the middle of the 13th century.

Abandoned in the 18th century, the hermitage underwent progressive decay until the early 2oth century when the Navy used the site for the construction of a traffic light.

The site dominating an extensive stretch of coast from the Gulf of La Spezia to the promontory of Portofino, was used as a lookout and signaling point since the Middle Ages.

Leaving the hermitage of Sant’Antonio del Mesco, the steep descent begins towards the beautiful beaches of Fegina, the new part of Monterosso, the largest village in the Cinque Terre.