Crocefieschi, Italian comune
Crocefieschi is a small commune in Liguria within the Metropolitan City of Genoa, nestled among hills and forests. The village features narrow winding streets lined with old stone houses, a church dating from the late 1500s positioned on higher ground, and remnants of a former castle on Monte Castello.
The village was founded in Roman times and took its current name in the 1700s by combining the Latin word for cross with the Fieschi family name, who ruled for centuries. In the late 1700s, French soldiers under Napoleon occupied and sacked the town, removing feudal lords, though rebels eventually returned after the wars concluded.
The village takes its name from a Latin word meaning cross, combined with the Fieschi family name. Residents still gather in the main square and small cafes to chat, reflecting a close-knit community where locals greet each other warmly and traditions remain part of daily life.
The best way to explore the village is on foot, as the paths are simple and well-kept, allowing you to notice the details that make Crocefieschi special. From Genoa it is easy to reach by car or local bus, and small guesthouses offer comfortable stays for those wishing to spend more time here.
The village houses a paleontological museum holding around 200 fossils of tiny sea creatures that lived millions of years ago when the land was covered by ancient seas. These fossils come from rocks formed from ancient seabeds that were pushed to the surface by mountain-building processes.
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