We took a funivia, like a ski hill gondola, up the mountains behind Rapallo to a church Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montallegro, a church and also housing for pilgrims. Saint Mary of Montallegro is the patron saint of the area.

Along the way we saw a boar with two smaller boars, maybe a sow with piglets.

Scott’s photos from the funivia. I didn’t take photos because I was gripping the railing.

Once off the funivia, the walk to the church was steep.

The facade was built in the late 19th century in neo gothic style.

But the main reason we went up and over the mountain was to go the Casa dei Pelligrini, a family run restaurant.

The views were pretty spectacular.

We were watched by the resident feral cats.

Then back down again. First by elevator.

Then the funivia.

Dinner: bistecca served on a sizzling “stone”: