Textile production in the Tigullio has ancient origins and recalls a time when the raw materials arrived from the far East, together with what today has come to be known as the “Know how”: the experience, ideas, observations and impressions, together with samples of textiles acquired throughout the know world. It was thus that textile production sprung and went on to involve almost every woman in this area. The silk factories of Zoagli have continued this tradition, operating on old hand looms and exporting their products around the world. Still today scarves and ties stand out amongst the production of the marvellous smooth silk velvet that was already a favourite of the Genoan nobility in the 1500’s.

The Tigullio is also famous for its production of pillow lace a serious crafts activity that was once carried out by women on their doorsteps. To better understand the making of Rapallo lace visit the Lace Museum, which shows work from the Zennaro collection, a laboratory that in the 20th century trained generations of lace workers.

Rapallo
The “Tarlo” antiques market is a date not to be missed for crafts lovers and takes place every fourth Sunday of the month. At the end of June in the S. Pietro di Novella area the statue of the saint is carried in a procession accompanied by numerous crucifixes. Dance displays, fireworks and culinary stands provide a backdrop to the proceedings. During the first three days of July the town recalls a vow made in 1657 for liberation from the plague to the Madonna of Montallegro, patron saint of the city with a procession followed by an extraordinary fireworks display at sea which closes the festivities.

In honour of S. Innocenzo Martire during the first Sunday of August after the religious rites in the San Martino di Noceto area celebrations are held featuring culinary stalls and a biennial exhibition of precious pillow lace. In the three days running up to August 15th the “Summer Festival” is organised at the sports grounds with typical cuisine, dances and fireworks displays. Stalls are set up around the city.

Santa Margherita Ligure
On the last Saturday and Sunday of each month a crafts market/exhibition is set up along the seafront.

Chiavari
The historical centre hosts an antiques exhibition/market during the second weekend of each month.