At the time of their construction, around XVII century, the old houses of Oneglia's harbour were directly facing a stone beach and the open sea, and the thick arches at their base were used ad a shelter from sea, a solid foundation and a place for the fish market. Now, after serving for many years as the town’s harbour, only few merchant ships still arrive, replaced by fishing boats and big yachts, parked here waiting for the cruises’ season, in summer. The quay itself has dismissed cranes and goods in favour of typical seafood restaurants and many tourists.