Slate: the sweet stone
The Ancient Art of Modeling the Earth
Each mountain population had to shape its own territory, leveling portions of the mountains to build crops, houses, stables and spaces for daily activities. In Eastern Liguria, characterized by steep coastal hills, this transformation work took on a particular challenge.
Reshape the landscape
Since ancient times, every farmer has worked to “correct” the land, digging upstream and filling downstream, creating steps and walls. All Ligurian farmers were masters in the art of digging and building. During this process of remodeling the slopes, some farmers encountered a docile rock, which could be worked with relative ease and could be cut, split and reduced into slabs of various sizes and thicknesses. This rock, known as pria duse or scogiu duse in the local language, soon became valuable for more noble uses, such as roofing and paving.
The balance between man and nature
Recognition for its qualities has led to it being called “sweet stone” or “sweet rock”, and this material, known as slate, has become an essential element in the life and culture of the Ligurian communities, testifying to the mastery and ingenuity of the its inhabitants in shaping their natural environment.
Source
Bruschi R., Lebboroni S., “Ritratto di Cogorno. L’antico feudo dei Conti Fieschi attraverso le sue memorie storiche”, Genova, De Ferrari Editore, 2000
Porcella M., “Gli uomini dell’ardesia”, in Centro di Documentazione della Civica Biblioteca di San Colombiano Certenoli (a c. di), “L’ardesia della Fontanabuona e le sculture di Pietro Burzi”, Chiavari, Grafica Piemme, 2017, collana “Quaderni del Lascito Cuneo”
Savioli L., “Tradizione e storia della lavagna”, in Mannoni T. (a c. di), “Ardesia. Materia, Cultura, Futuro”, Genova, Sagep Editrice, 1995
Trekking and cycling routes that may interest you
Itineraries of different durations and suitable for every taste and level of preparation, to discover the most beautiful and evocative places and panoramas of the Ligurian Tigullio.
Local experiences that might interest you
Let yourself be guided and be surprised by the hidden treasures that the Ligurian Tigullio area is capable of offering you in every season.
Sport
Hiking routes, climbing, mountain biking and much more… Choose the sport in contact with nature that’s right for you!
Culture
Shows, Theatre, Music, Food and Wine, Reading… Experience the cultural and artistic proposals, immersed in the Ligurian landscape.
Nature
Geology, bird watching, nature engineering and other initiatives, to cultivate awareness and responsibility for environmental issues.
More heritage that may interest you
Catalog of the tangible and intangible heritage, a precious resource of the Tigullio for community building and local development.
Join us!
Contribute to preserve the history and traditions of the Ligurian Tigullio area, and keep them alive for future generations.