A suggestive corner on the beach of Riva Trigoso
Asseu Cliff
The Scoglio dell’Asseu is a rocky outcrop located a few kilometers from Sestri Levante, on the beach of Riva Trigoso.
The center of Riva Trigoso is characterized by an expansive and orderly row of houses along the beach, a modern and functional village that seems designed miles away from the typical pastel colors of Sestri Levante’s houses-a place where nature and wild views take the place of the postcard-perfect scenery in front of the Vis a Vis hotel.
Here, on the long Renà beach in Riva Trigoso, is the Asseu rock, that interrupts the geometric perfection of the horizon and contrasts against the blue sky and shoreline.
Surrounded by crystal clear, pristine waters, the Asseu rock is linked to a fascinating and poignant folk legend.
Young Trigoso loved the beautiful Riva but on his wedding day she was kidnapped by Saracens.
In an attempt to rescue her Trigoso lost his life under the arrows of the enemies, Riva, seeing the end of her companion, hurled herself at the pirate captain who fatally stabbed her.
The story goes that a wave was born from the maiden’s blood that capsized the filibusters’ ship, causing its destruction: at the spot where poor Riva died, instead, a large bell-shaped rock, the present-day Asseu Rock, emerged from the sea as a memento of the love of the two young men.
The scoglio dell’Asseu is one of the largest outcrops on the Ligurian coast, and it owes its name to the Genoese translation of “owl,” a nocturnal bird of prey that nests on it: a glimpse of nostalgic beauty that deserves your visit at sunset… and a little thought to the ill-fated lovers.
