San Fruttuoso di Camogli is a tiny bay located between Camogli and Portofino that feels almost untouched by time. Surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the bay is part of the Portofino Marine Protected Area. It is home to two remarkable landmarks which add a touch of history and magic to this unique location.

Current image: Abbazia-San-Fruttuoso

The Benedictine Monastery

Dating back to the 8th century, the Monastery of San Fruttuoso is the first thing you’ll see coming from the sea. According to legend, the bay was once terrorized by a dragon, which kept sailors and travelers away. One day an angel appeared to Procopio and Giustino, companions of Saint Fruttuoso and revealed this bay as the ideal place to build a sanctuary. The angel defeated the dragon, clearing the way for the monastery’s construction. As a result, Saint Fruttuoso became the protector of sailors. Over the centuries, this Benedictine abbey has seen several renovations, mainly commissioned by the Doria family. Today, the monastery also houses a museum about its history and an elegant cloister containing the tombs of the Doria family.

Christ of the Abyss

A short distance offshore and 15 meters underwater lies the Christ of the Abyss (Cristo degli Abissi), a striking bronze statue. It was commissioned in 1954 by Duilio Marcante in memory of his friend Dario Gonzatti, a pioneering Genoese diver. Far down in the dim waters, the statue’s arms are raised and the face turned toward the surface, as a symbolic link to God. The statue has become a pilgrimage site for divers and a symbol of the passion for diving and of peace. For those who’d rather not dive, there’s a replica in the church next to the monastery. Glass-bottom boat tours also allow visitors to glimpse this remarkable statue from above the water.

How to Get There

You can reach San Fruttuoso by ferry from nearby towns. This scenic route will make you appreciate the beauty of the Ligurian coast from the sea. For those who love hiking, one of the many trails from Monte di Portofino offer scenic routes through nature. For trail information and directions, visit parcoportofino.it or hotelhelvetia.it.