Brunellesco

Brunellesco is a small municipality in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria, Italy. The town is situated approximately twenty kilometres southeast of Genoa in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, at an elevation of about 300 metres above sea level. It covers an area of about twelve square kilometres and had a resident population of just over one thousand in the most recent census conducted in 2020.

The origins of Brunellesco trace back to the early medieval period, when the area was settled by Lombard families in the 6th century. A notable landmark is the 13th‑century hilltop fortress, Château de Brunellesco, which overlooks the surrounding valleys and has been a focal point for local heritage. The local economy historically relied on small‑scale agriculture, with olive groves, vineyards, and chestnut trees dominating the landscape. In contemporary times the town has diversified into tourism, taking advantage of its scenic setting and historical sites, while still maintaining traditional olive oil production and the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties.

Brunellesco is serviced by a modest railway station on the Genoa‑Rapallo commuter line and is connected to nearby villages by a network of regional bus routes. The municipal administration falls under the jurisdiction of the Ligurian regional government, and it shares its local government council with neighbouring communes. Cultural life centres around the annual Festa della Sagra, a week‑long celebration featuring regional cuisine, music, and folk dance, which attracts visitors from across the province. The town has produced a few local artists and writers, though most residents lead commuter or agrarian lifestyles.