Miglio di Chiavari

In 1172, the Malaspina family launched a naval assault against the newly fortified citadel of Chiavari, attempting to claim control over this strategic node of the eastern Ligurian coast. The Genoese defenders successfully repelled the siege, ensuring the town remained a vital maritime outlet rather than a casualty of feudal expansion. Today, as you swim the 1852-meter course, you traverse the very waters that once bore witness to these medieval maneuvers, with the profile of Monte Anchetta—rising 544 meters above the skyline—serving as a constant navigational landmark for those looking toward the shore.

A landscape shaped by ties and tombs

The local history embedded in these waters is as deep as the seabed. Beyond the medieval battles, the area holds remnants of a much older civilization; in 1959, construction works unearthed a significant pre-Roman necropolis dating back to the 8th-7th century BC. Swimmers today glide over a seafloor that historically connected these residents to the wider Mediterranean, a legacy of connectivity that persisted into the modern era. During the 19th and 20th centuries, this same coastline saw massive emigration waves toward South America, a phenomenon that permanently etched names like Corso Lima and Corso Buenos Aires into the city’s urban fabric. The connection to distant shores is reflected in the town's spirit, much like the commitment shown by the organizers at Aquamanara 1968, who continue to facilitate this annual crossing.

Navigating the Miglio

This annual race, organized by Aquamanara 1968, remains a staple for those testing their endurance in the Gulf of Tigullio. If you are looking to build your season, you might find the Miglio di Sori provides a different technical challenge, as it is often held in early July, preceding the peak of the summer season. While navigating the buoy line, you might recall that even Giuseppe Garibaldi maintained a formal connection to this town, having secured local citizenship after the cession of Nice to France. His legacy, alongside the complex political history that occasionally touches the city’s architecture—including sites like the Hotel Stella Maris—adds a layer of gravity to the surroundings. The race is open to participants who seek to challenge themselves in a setting where every stroke takes you through a landscape defined by both ancient burials and a persistent, outward-looking maritime heritage.