Boat tour San Fruttuoso
In the heart of Portofino Park, stands the magnificent Abbey of San Fruttuoso, and in the depths of its bay is the Statue of Christ of the Abyss.
The first evidence of religious structures dates back to the 6th century. The Abbey was built later, in the 11th century. Legend says that the martyr Fruttuoso, burned alive in the amphitheatre of Tarragona in Spain, appeared in a dream to his followers-monks and indicated the place on the Ligurian coast where his remains were to be buried. This place could be recognized thanks to the fierce dragon who lived in the cave and the source of fresh water. The abbey was born as a Benedictine monastery, which later served as a hiding place for pirates, then it was the home of fishermen. Subsequently, over the centuries, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso belonged to the Doria family. The noble family restored the old part of the structure and built an entire religious complex. On the territory of the Abbey there is a crypt of the Doria family.
San Fruttuoso impresses with its rare beauty. From the Abbey there is a beautiful view of the bay with a small pebble beach surrounded by lush greenery. The architecture of the structure is skilfully executed in Ligurian and Roman style, made of white marble and slate. It is possible to visit the monastery, the museum, the tombs and the tower of Doria.
In the bay of San Fruttuoso, in the silence of the depths of the sea, there is a floating figure with his arms stretched upwards as a sign of invocation. It is a large bronze statue representing Christ, placed on the bottom of the bay in memory of the people who died in the sea and those who dedicated their lives to the sea.
Made in 1954, the statue of Christ of the Abyss has become a symbol for all divers and one of the most famous dive sites in the world. The statue is 2.50 meters tall and weighs 260 kg., Is based on a large concrete block. The hands of the statue are located twelve meters from the surface of the sea, while the base reaches eighteen meters.
The figure of Christ can also be reached in apnoea, without the use of diving equipment. An exact copy of Christ of the Abyss was made on August 13, 1974 and was placed in the chapel of the Church of San Fruttuoso, to allow all visitors to admire this work.
