Fontanabuona Valley – Liguria: slate, olive trees and silent villages between the Apennines and the Riviera. The Fontanabuona Valley extends inland from the Gulf of Tigullio, between Chiavari, Lavagna and the Trebbia Valley. An authentic valley, where the black stone of slate is flanked by terraced olive groves, chestnut woods and stone villages that dot the heights. An introverted landscape, linked to the land and work, to be explored slowly. 🪨 Slate, the black soul of the valley: Fontanabuona is historically known for the extraction and processing of slate, also called the "black gold of Liguria". Roofs, tombstones, blackboards and handicrafts are still produced in local workshops, balancing tradition and innovation. 👉 Tip: Visit the Slate Museum in Cicagna or one of the small artisan workshops in the valley: you will be able to discover the history of stone and see its contemporary artistic use. 🌳 Rural landscapes and widespread nature: The valley is crossed by the Lavagna stream and surrounded by wooded hills, olive groves and vegetable gardens that rise towards the ridges of the Ligurian Apennines. Between chestnut groves, ancient mule tracks and old stone houses, the landscape retains a discreet and rural balance. 👉 Tip: Walk along a stretch of the Via dell'Ardesia or the Liguria Trail: they will lead you through ancient quarries, streams and viewpoints on the coast and the hinterland. 🏘️ Stone villages and daily history: The municipalities of the valley – including Cicagna, Orero, Coreglia Ligure, Tribogna and Favale di Malvaro – preserve a simple urban layout, linked to agricultural and artisan life. Between country churches, votive chapels and old shops, time seems to pass slowly. 👉 Tip: Stop in one of the villages for lunch in a tavern: focaccia, savory pies, mushrooms and local oil tell the story of a simple but authentic cuisine. 🎭 Traditions, festivals and communities: The Fontanabuona is also a valley of popular festivals, traditional music, religious re-enactments and seasonal festivals. Local communities keep their roots alive with events related to work, land and peasant spirituality. 👉 Tip: Take part in the Slate Festival or a village festival in the summer: perfect opportunities to meet the valley and its inhabitants up close. 🚶 ♀️ Paths and connections with the hinterland: The Fontanabuona Valley is connected on foot with the nearby valleys and the coast through a network of historic paths, often ancient trade routes or agricultural routes. From here you can reach the Trebbia Valley, the Petronio Valley or the Tigullio coast with itineraries surrounded by greenery. 👉 Tip: Follow the route(s) from Ne to Reppia: perfect for curious hikers and lovers of minor routes. The Fontanabuona Valley is a hidden Liguria, made of stone, forest and patience. A landscape that does not show itself immediately, but that reveals itself step by step, to those who choose to listen and observe.