Camogli & Garibaldi

GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI, MERCHANT SAILOR

The history of the “Italian Unification” and of the hero of two worlds intertwine in Camogli.

Everyone remembers Giuseppe Garibaldi as a patriot, general, member of the National Parliament, admiral in South America, privateer. Few remember that, above everything else, he was a sailor and captain of the merchant navy.

In the Maritime Museum of Camogli are preserved Garibaldi’s octant, his dagger, a letter addressed to his friend – the ship owner – and an autographed photo with a dedication to the mayor of Camogli, defined as a “model country”, such was the esteem and affection that he felt towards our city. Garibaldi’s strong bond with Camogli stems from the fact that his first command was on a Camogliese ship, the “our Lady of Graces”, owned by Casabona. In the museum there are also two paintings of ships named after Giuseppe Garibaldi: the brigantine “Dictator Garibaldi” and the brigantine “Annita Garibaldi”, built by the Camogliese owner Razetto, called “Poixetto”, friend of the Hero of the Two Worlds.

From the pamphlet titled “The Brigantine Dictator, Garibaldi”,, published by the Museum, on page 5 we read:
“During the course of his boarding he had a way of link his interests with those of the people of Camogli; in fact he had his first command, very important fact for a man of the sea, right on the brigantine of Camogli, “our Lady of Graces” of the ship owner Antonio Casabona….”

SIMONE SCHIAFFINO, PATRIOT

Ensign of the Garibaldi’s flag.

We remember that the young Simone Schiaffino, dear friend of Garibaldi and born in Camogli, took part in the expedition of the Thousand under Garibaldi’s command with the role of Ensign and the rank of Major. Simone Schiaffino died at the young age of 25 in the battle of Calatafimi.