ALASSIO ALBENGA and BAIE DEL SOLE

ALASSIO
ALBENGA and
BAIE DEL SOLE
a holiday for children and grown-up
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Each town has a table as synopsis of value in terms of Tourism.
Marks are given for Nature, Art and Family to synthesize what is on offer.
Alassio,
Albenga and
BAIE DEL SOLE
The stretch of coast from Ceriale to Capo Mele offers large beaches of very
fine sand. The sea is shallow and, walking in it, it is almost possible to walk
towards the horizon and that can be enjoyed all year round. In the winter a
stroll along the shore picking up sea shells can be a real treat. It is the only
area of Liguria which has a plain, the Piana del Centa. Visitors can try and
taste unique and genuine products, rich in the flavours and aromas which make
the local food so special.
Ancient Romans had already chosen this part of the world as it is deeply
connected to a portion of sea which proved to be an incredible opportunity of
trade. It was a menace, also, due to the moors invasions. Still today, it has a
lot to offer to those seeking town streets animated with busy market as well as
quiet and peaceful idyllic inland spots.
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Outdoors/Nature
The marks are based on
natural resources and
landscape, including sports
facilities and excursions. In
other words what goes to
make an ”active holiday”
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Art
Marks are based on relevant
resources concerning Art
and History, including
dedicated itinerary
(museums, monuments, etc.)
Family
Marks are based on services
oriented for families,
including accommodation
and attractions suitable for
children and grown-ups.
THE PLEASURE
OF DISCOVERY
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The flavour
of tradition
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Where
horticulture
doubles
as culture
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WAVES
OF FUN
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CALMNESS
HAS THE
COLOURS
OF SEA
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Ceriale
Among
greenhouses and
opportunities for
relaxation
A history of pirate invasions
The town, in line with
its history, still preserves
a horticultural vocation.
Glasshouses, cultivated
fields and vineyards
yield vegetables, highlyappreciated grapes, potted
herb plants and potted plants
in general.
In Ceriale it is possible to
relax and have fun at the
same time. The water theme
park of Le Caravelle, open
from June to September,
makes Ceriale one of the
most attractive places on the
coast. It is a new generation
type of park with a
swimming pool with waves,
toboggan, rapids, Jacuzzis,
slides and all the services
visitors may require.
Not far from Albenga, rooted in the fertile plain of the Centa
River, is the town of Ceriale which in ancient times was a
hamlet of farmers ruled by the Bishop of Albenga, then by the
Republic of Genoa. The night between 1st and 2nd July, 1637
was a momentous turn of its history. The town was attacked
by 800 Algerian pirates who kidnapped and killed half of the
inhabitants, leaving only burning ruins behind them. On the
promenade, a fortified watch tower built in 1564 still bears
testimony to the defensive architectures meant to keep the
moors and pirates at bay. The parish church of SS. Giovanni
Battista and Eugenio in the historical centre of the town is
certainly worth a visit.
Archaeology and
culture
Visitor should not miss the
hamlet of Peagna, the Chiesa
Vecchia, with its XV Century
frescoes and a medieval
spring called Anthia. In the
Museum of Palaeontology
Silvio Lai, finds from the
sites of Rio Torsero, today
a Regional Natural Reserve
can be admired.
Every year, in August and
September, a Book Fair is
Useful Info
held where new publications
on Liguria are presented and Museum of Palaeontology
Silvio Lai. Regional Natural
literary evenings with the
Reserve of Rio Torsero
authors can be enjoyed.
Via Strada Nuova di Peagna, 209
Fraz. Peagna 17023 Ceriale
Tel. 0182 990024 / 990208
[email protected]
www.riotorsero.it
Water Theme Park
Le Caravelle
Via S. Eugenio, 51
17023 Ceriale
Tel. 0182 931755
[email protected]
www.lecaravelle.com
Touristic Offer
Outdoors/Nature
Art
Family
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Albenga
The historical
centre
Visits can start in Largo
Doria, a small square at the
junction of a long lindenflanked avenue (Viale Martiri
della Libertà), which leads
to the sea front, and Via
Enrico D’Aste, the ancient
decumanus of the old Roman
town.
Piazza San Michele has
always been the centre of
the civil and religious life
with its XV Century Palazzo
Peloso Cepolla with a XII
corner tower, the Town Hall
with the tower-house of the
Malasemenza family and the
old Town Hall building dating back to the XIV Century
with the Municipal Tower
where important exhibitions
are often hosted. Only seven
of the original twelve towers
still stand.
The Baptistery is one of the
most relevant paleochristian monuments in Liguria.
Inside, a mosaic of the V
Century dedicated to the
Holy Trinity and the Apostles. Near the Baptistery, you
can find the XIII Century
Romanesque Gothic Cathedral of San Michele with its
The ancient Albium Ingaunum
The ancient Ligurian town called Albium Ingaunum was
founded on a hill near the Centa River. It soon became an
important Roman centre. Then, in the IX Century it became
the capital of the Marquisate of Arduin and Episcopal See. A
long spell of prosperity coincided with its participation, as a
free town, in the first crusade. Visitors to Albenga can enjoy
an unspoilt historical centre where the ancient Roman layout
is still visible. Its small squares host numerous markets as well
as events where local products and antique pieces can be
purchased.
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XIV Century steeple. Behind
the Cathedral, the Piazza dei
Leoni with the Palazzo Costa
del Carretto di Balestrino of
1525 and the tower-house
Costa. The high street then
becomes Via Ricci with the
Loggia dei Quattro Canti and
more tower-houses.
Out of the town, through
Porta Molino to the east,
a medieval bridge of XIII
Century, called Pontelungo,
half buried in the ancient
riverbed of the Centa, can be
admired.
The Museums of
Albenga
Palazzo Oddo, in via Roma,
hosts Magiche Trasparenze
- Magical Transparencies
– a permanent exhibition
of about 200 antique glass
pieces form the Albenga
necropolis. The extraordinary Blue Plate from the II
Century AD is a unique find
and obviously the gem of the
exhibition.
The Palazzo Vecchio del
Comune is where the Civico
Museo Ingauno is hosted and
where artefacts dating back
to the Roman and Byzantine
ancient Albingaunum can be
admired. The Loggia Civica,
an integral part of the historical visit, was built in 1421,
with a mosaic floor of I
Century AD and on the back
wall a large fresco of the
Crucifixion from the end of
the XV Century by Giovanni
Canavesio.
The Museo Navale Romano
– Roman Naval Museum –
can be found in the Palazzo
Peloso Cipolla. Visitors
can see amphorae used
for storing wine and tools
retrieved from the wreck of a
roman ship of the I Century
BC, sunk off the coast of
Albenga. The museum also
contains a precious collection of pharmacy vases, once
in the custody of the Hospital
of Albenga, which are typical
examples of the ceramic
tradition of Savona and
Albisola in the XVI-XVIII
Centuries. The Museo di
Arte Sacra della Diocesi di
Albenga-Imperia - Museum
of Church Art of the Diocese
of Albenga-Imperia –, in the
Bishop’s Palace, contains
artefacts from the digs in
the Cathedral area, i.e.
Renaissance ceramic pieces
and fragments of larger
pictures from the XV and
XVI Centuries, late gothic
paintings on wood boards
and XVII Century paintings
on canvass such as the altar
piece the Martyrdom of Saint
Catherine of Alexandria by
Guido Reni.
Just outside the walls, in
via Mameli, the Esposizione Permanente Civiltà
dell’Olivo is a permanent
display of tools and articles,
dating back to the mid XIX
Century, which were used
for harvesting and processing
olives and grapes.
The Plain and its
delicacies
The main reason for the
historical importance of
Albenga has always been
its extremely fertile plain
which is the result of the
combination of river and sea
sedimentation processes.
Though the Romans were already exploiting it, it was the
arrival of farmers from the
area of Genoa during the late
XIX Century that coincided
with a rational and intensive
horticultural approach. A
highly specialised production, both in the fields and in
glasshouses, can boast four
typical produces: spiky artichokes, trombetta courgettes,
cuore di bue tomatoes and
purple asparaguses – the latter is a Slow Food presidium.
The plain and the hills of
Albenga have a great reputation for the DOC – Controlled Designation of Origin
– quality of its vineyards.
Rossese di Campochiesa
is a red wine, dry but light,
ideal with fish. Vermentino
is a delicate white superb for
aperitifs and with fish and
vegetables. Pigato, from the
local word pigau (spotted),
is a musk-scented dry white.
In the village of Salea, every
September, Pigato wine is
celebrated and enjoyed.
Julia Augusta.
A Roman Road
Visitors can also explore
the hillside along a path that
leads to the town of Alassio, the extraordinary Via
Romana Julia Augusta. A six
km path, overlooking the sea,
which bears testimony to the
ancient splendour with some
margines still visible today.
It might have been a consular
road, built by Emperor
Augustus in 13 BC. The path
starts in the Regione Vadino,
near the funerary monument
called the Pilone, now part of
the Punta San Martino buildings. The ruins of some of
the ancient roman structures
can still be admired.
Sea and Nature
Not just history. Sea and fun,
too. Leaving behind the old
roman and medieval town,
Albenga becomes a completely different place. Street
with shops, a palm flanked
sea front promenade with
organised private beaches
ready to satisfy a tourist’s
every need. Just by walking
on the shore, it is possible
to reach the sanctuary at the
mouth of the Centa River, an
ideal area for bird watching
on account of several bird
varieties present here. Right
in front, the Gallinara Isle
is clearly visible with a sea
where it is possible to go diving and explore the sea bank
and several ship wrecks.
The Gallinara Isle
According to the Roman
legend, this rather small
island, whose shape is reminiscent of a tortoise, owes its
name to wild chickens once
common on it. San Martin
of Tours sought refuge there.
Later on, hermits chose it as
their dwelling. In the High
Middle Ages, a powerful
Benedictine monastery was
built there and in the year
1000 it ruled several areas
and priories along the Riviera, Provence and Catalonia.
Over the centuries, the
monastery became a private
property. A watch out tower,
in perfect condition, still
stands on the island’s highest
peak. The Gallinara today
is private and no one lives
there. Since 1989 it has been
a Regional Natural Reserve,
on account of its plants,
some of which native to the
area, and its surrounding sea
floors.
Useful Info
Magiche Trasparenze.
I Vetri dell’antica Albigaunum
Magical Transparencies.
Glasses of the Ancient
Albingaunum
Palazzo Oddo
Via Roma, 58
17031 Albenga
Tel. 0182 571443
[email protected]
www.palazzooddo.it
Civico Museo Ingauno
Museum of the Town of Albenga
Palazzo Vecchio del Comune
Via Nino Lamboglia
17031 Albenga
tel. 0182 51215
[email protected]
www.palazzooddo.it
Museo Navale Romano
Roman Naval Museum
Palazzo Peloso Cepolla
Piazza San Michele, 12
17031 Albenga
Tel. 0182 51215
[email protected]
www.palazzooddo.it
Museo Diocesano e Battistero.
Diocesi di Albenga e Imperia
Museum of the Diocese
and Baptistery.
Diocese of Albenga and Imperia
Via Episcopio, 5
17031 Albenga
Tel. 0182 50288
museodiocesano@albengaimperia.
chiesacattolica.it
Museo Sommariva Civiltà
dell’Olivo – Sommariva
Olive Tree Civilisation Museum
Via Mameli, 7
17031 Albenga
Tel. 0182 559222
www.oliosommariva.it
Touristic Offer
Outdoors/Nature
Art
Family
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The Valleys
of Albenga
Villanova d’Albenga
Fortified in 1215 by Albenga
to protect the Plain, the villa
nova has a polygonal layout
with beautifully preserved
surrounding walls and ten
towers. In the middle of the
high street, a typical well of
the time can still be admired.
It has its original medieval
lid and chain. Outside, the
Renaissance Church of Santa
Maria del Soccorso or della
Rotonda and Santo Stefano
in Cavatorio with a Romanesque steeple of the XII
Century, porch with capitals
and frescoes of the XV and
XVI Centuries.
The international airport
Clemente Panero is now
fully operational for private
and public air service.
Also available are activities such as powered flying,
hang-gliding, parachuting,
recreational flying and model
aeronautics.
A network of four Valleys
In the XIII Century, Albenga witnessed a complete
reorganisation of the area surrounding the town. New clusters
of houses were created to protect the Plain and to improve
rural activities. New fortified centres and rural communities
were started. All places which today preserve their medieval
charm. Along the many valleys of the tributary rivers, to the
Centa River, it is possible to visit the strategic areas chosen by
aristocratic families of the time for their castles and fortified
houses.
Garlenda
Surrounded by the green area
of the Val Lerrone, Garlenda
is a quiet and elegant resort
not far from the coast. Since
1965 a famous Golf Club has
been open here with a six km
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18 hole course. Not far from
the club, the small church of
San Rocco is worth a visit
– on its grounds, a remarkable several hundred year
old oak tree, now a national
monument, as well as the
Costa-Del Carretto castle,
where, nowadays, exhibitions and events are held. A
unique place is the Museo
Multimediale della 500,
run and created by the Club
Italia-FIAT 500. It is a multimedia museum appealing
to those who appreciate this
small car as well as old cars
in general or simply would
like to know more about an
important part of the history
of Italy. It is dedicated to the
memory of Dante Giacosa,
the designer of the 500 Fiat
car. Every July, the Club Italia organises an international
rally for 500 Fiat cars which
come here from several
European and non European
countries.
The Neva Valley
and its castles
The town of Cisano Sul
Neva, fortified by Albenga in
1280, still preserves part of
its ancient wall and a tower,
today the steeple of the Santa
Maria Maddalena Church.
Outside the small town,
visitors should really visit the
small Romanesque church of
San Calocero, a martyr who
found his death at the mouth
of the local River Centa, and
dates back to the XI Century.
Full of atmosphere is also
the hamlet of Conscente with
the castle of the Costa family
from Albenga. Further up the
Via del Sale, which in old
times went up the Neva river,
is located the small town of
Zuccarello, founded in 1248
by the marquises of Clavesana
and later the property of the
Del Carretto family. The town
still preserves its medieval
layout with two main entrances, porticoes in the style
of Piedmont’s urban centres,
a humpbacked bridge and the
small church of Sant’Antonio
with XV Century frescoes.
Ilaria del Carretto was born
in the castle at the top of the
hill. In 1403, she married
Paolo Guinigi, Lord of Lucca.
Jacopo della Quercia made
a funereal monument for her
which can still be admired in
the Duomo di Lucca.
Castelvecchio di Rocca
Barbena is a village full of at-
mosphere. Houses are literally
perched on the rocks round
the ancient medieval castle
of the Clavesana family. It is
very pleasant to walk among
the houses with their typical
domed roofs and terraces,
walls meant to collect rainwater, chestnut houses, communal ovens and fountains. In the
square of the Tower, concerts
and theatrical plays are
organised. At the beginning of
summer, the village becomes
a sort of Toyland and hosts
special events for children and
grown-ups. Castelvecchio
has been awarded a Bandiera
Arancione of the Touring
Club, in recognition of its
high standards of quality, and
together with Zuccarello is
numbered among the Most
Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Further up the valley, the
scattered hamlets forming
the community of Erli, on
the border with the Region
Piedmont, can be enjoyed with
its orchards, vineyards and
chestnut trees.
The dolomitic
Val Pennavaire
The valley caves – arme
– were already used by
the prehistoric man. It is a
valley with a typical alpine
landscape, i.e. dolomitic
rocks rich in sea fossils and
mountain grazing grounds.
Further up, through thick
groves of olive, cherry and
chestnut trees, visitors can
reach Nasino, the old Roman
Naticium, popular with those
who enjoy going mushroom
picking and a starting point
for excursions to Mount
Galero. Further along, the
town of Castelbianco, with
its scattered hamlets, among
which is the noteworthy
Colletta, a pleasant medieval
centre perched on the hilltop
and one of the Most Beautiful
Villages in Italy. Though
destroyed by an earthquake,
it was completely rebuilt in
the 1990’s to become the first
telematic centre in Europe.
Its stone houses are made
even more attractive by small
ornamental gardens. Windows and doors are painted
lavender and from its small
balconies breathtaking views
can be enjoyed. Castelbianco
is where a big and lusciously
dark variety of cherries is
produced, celebrated and
promoted during a dedicated
event every year.
The low Valle
Arroscia and its
wines
The Pigato wine is a hub
of excellence in Ortovero,
a member of the Towns of
Wine. Its Oenological Centre
– Regional Specialised Shop
- hosts annual events intended
to promote this wine, which,
together with the Rossese
and Vermentino wines, adds
the final touch to the list of
wines produced in the west
of Regione Liguria. Arnasco,
immersed in olive groves,
is the home of the Museo
dell’Olivo e della Civiltà Contadina – Museum of the Olive
Tree and of Traditional Farm
Activities. The Cooperativa
Olivicola, besides running
the museum, runs courses on
how to build and repair the
traditional low walls which
require no concrete or mortar
in strict accordance with the
ancient technique developed
in Liguria.
In the direction of Onzo, near
the woodland area of the small
lake of Menezzo, visitors can
reach on foot the Castell’Ermo
Mountain, which is 1092m
above sea level. Its medieval
centre purchased its independence from Genoa in 1581 for
the amount of 5,000 scudi.
Independence, which was lost
when Napoleon conquered it.
Vendone is divided into nine
hamlets. One of them is Castellaro, where the ruins of the
medieval castle of the Clavesana family with a hexagonal
tower are still visible. Really
worth a visit is the stone sculpture park, very reminiscent of
Celtic monoliths, work of the
German artist Riener Kriester
who had his home in the
Saracen Tower.
Val Lerrone, the
valley of the Wind
is Blowing
Inland of Garlenda is situated
the Val Lerrone with its pine
trees, meadows and oaks. A
valley which ends up in the
Ginestro pass. The territory
of Val Lerrone is rich in olive
trees. It was also an important area for the antifascist
movement – la Resistenza
– during World War II. It
is celebrated by the path
which shares its name with
the famous song “Fischia il
vento” – the wind is blowing
– which was written by the
partisan Felice Cascione.
Useful Info
International Airport
Clemente Panero
Viale Generale Disegna
17038 Villanova d’Albenga
Tel. 0182 582033
[email protected]
www.rivierairport.it
Ippodromo dei Fiori
Fiori Racecourse
Strada per Ligo, 4
17038 Villanova d’Albenga
Tel. 0182 582666
[email protected]
www.ippodromodeifiori.com
Museo Multimediale
della 500Dante Giacosa
Multimedia Museum
of the Fiat 500 Dante Giacosa
Via Roma, 90
17033 Garlenda
Tel. 0182 582282
[email protected]
www.500clubitalia.it
Golf Club Garlenda
Via del Golf, 7
17033 Garlenda
Tel. 0182 580012
www.garlendagolf.it
Museo dell’Olivo e della
Civiltà Contadina
Museum of the Olive Tree and
Traditional Farm Activities
Piazza IV Novembre
17032 Arnasco
Tel. 0182 761178
[email protected]
www.coopolivicolarnasco.it
Centro Enologico Enoteca
Regionale
Oenological Centre – Regional
Specialised Wine Shop
Viale alla Chiesa, 18
17037 Ortovero
info c/o Comune
Tel. 0182 547388
Touristic Offer
Outdoors/Nature
Art
Family
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Alassio
The English in
Alassio
A mild climate and an
unspoilt landscape were what
persuaded English people
like the Hanburys, Gibbs,
Montagues, Macmurdoes and
many more aristocratic families to build their villas on
the hills of Alassio. In those
days, the English formed a
real Anglo-Saxon community,
with an Anglican Church
in Via Adelasia (currently
deconsecrated and splendidly
restored, used for exhibitions
and prestige events), banks
and shops. It was thanks to
this community that Alassio
became a prestigious international resort. The first hotels
are clearly Art Nouveau as
well as the Casino, railway
station, the exclusive Tennis
Club and several tea-rooms.
The old Arasce
The first inhabitants of Alassio, Arasce in the local dialect,
came from the hills during the High Middle Ages and became
fishermen of the bay between the capes of Santa Croce
and Mele. First, the monks of the Gallinara Isle ruled it and,
then, those of Albenga. Alassio enjoyed a great prosperity
under the influence of the Republic of Genoa. The town still
preserves traces of its past, i.e. the Palazzo of the marquises
Ferrero de Gubernatis di Ventimiglia, in the piazzetta Ferrero.
A magnificent building from the XVIII Century, with richly
decorated rooms, which is still the home of the descendents
of the same aristocratic family. The gardens, now dedicated
to Charlie Chaplin, used to be part of the park surrounding
the Palazzo.
A short walk in the
centre
Via XX Settembre and via
Vittorio Veneto are typical
elements of a traditional Ligurian historical centre. They
form the Budello, a long and
narrow lane which runs parallel to the sea between ancient
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buildings and modern shops.
Other lanes, called esci, run
perpendicular to the sea.
Alassio has several important
churches. The most important
one is the parish Church
of Sant’Ambrogio, in the
square of the same name,
built in the XV Century on
what was left of an older X
Century church. The church’s
black stone portal and
Romanesque-Lombard
steeple make it unique. Its
interior baroque decorations
have been enriched by the
works of illustrious Ligurian
painters, i.e. Giovanni Andrea
De Ferrari, Giulio Benso and
Bernardo Castello.
In the Budello, the churches
of Sant’Anna and San Mauro
della Carità can be visited.
Not far away, is also located
the small church of the Capuchin Friars devoted to Saint
Francis. In the vicinity, in
front of the sea, is the fortified watch tower of the XVI
Century. It used to protect the
town from Saracen invasions.
Not just paintings
The West Gallery is certainly
worth a visit. It is the home
of the works by the painter
Richard Whateley West, who
lived in Alassio from 1888.
The building also hosts an
English Library, one of the
most important libraries in
English in Italy. The Pinacoteca - Art Gallery - Carlo
Levi can be found in the
Palazzo Morteo and contains
22 works by Carlo Levi, a
writer and painter from Turin.
The Museum of Natural Sciences Don Bosco, created in
1950 on the school premises
with the same name, offers
several sections ranging from
mineralogy to palaeontology.
The “Muretto”
In Via Dante, just opposite
the Caffè Roma, the famous
Muretto di Alassio can be
found. Since the 1930s, Caffè
Roma has been an epitome of
tourism in Alassio with artists
and celebrities being regular
customers here. In 1950’s,
the owner of the Caffè, the
painter Mario Berrino, to
adorn the small wall in front
of his business, started stick-
ing on it small ceramic tiles
with the names of his most
famous punters. At first, tiles
were placed at night, not to
incur a fine. However, they
soon gained the respect and
curiosity of the public. Ernest
Hemingway was one of
the first names to be added.
Nowadays, the signatures of
many celebrities can be found
on tiles, e.g. Mina, Domenico
Modugno, Fabrizio De Andrè
and Valentino Rossi (Italian
celebrities from the fields of
show business and sport).
The Muretto is also the testimonial to a beauty contest
which takes place every
year in summer. It started as
nothing more than a game in
the distant summer of 1953,
steeped in the dolcevita and
economic prosperity of the
time. The girl who wins
becomes the most beautiful
girl of the summer. The final
part of the contest of Miss
Muretto is usually broadcast
on Italian national televisions
and often marks the beginning of a successful career
in show business for the
winning girl.
Alassio.
A place to enjoy
Alassio enchants visitors with
its golden beaches covered
in extra fine sand made of
miniscule quartz particles.
Elegantly organised private
beaches can be easily found
thanks to the distinctive
colours – each one has their
own cabins and sun umbrellas. Bars and restaurants,
on the sea front, offer local
delicacies while the sweet
shops of the centre sell Baci
di Alassio, a local chocolate.
Worth trying are the Biscette,
anise seed flavoured pancakes
in the shape of a small snake
which plays a fundamental
role in a traditional festival
held in the village of Solva.
Alassio meets a visitor’s
every requirement, regardless of their age. Families
with children favour Alassio
because of its shallow sea. Its
climate makes it popular with
those who wish to spend a
winter in a relaxing and quiet
way.
It is a winner with young
people too. They flock to it,
drawn by the local movida
with its open air dancing clubs and bars. Those
who love sports can take
advantage of the Circolo
Nautico- Nautical Club - near
the marina, of a swimming
pool, a pitch and putt game
on the promenade, the Tennis
Club and several paths on the
surrounding hills are ideal for
trekking and the mountain
biking.
The hills of Alassio
The hills surrounding Alassio
can be reached on foot and
are rich in natural and historical resources.
The Santuario della Madonna
della Guardia, on the mount
Tirasso, built in 1200, has on
display several votive offerings of seafarers. In Moglio,
from the beautiful location of
the Church of San Sebastiano,
visitors can admire a splendid
view of the bay. A very pleasant road leads to the small
church of the Madonna delle
Grazie. Further on, the hamlet
of Vegliasco where still stands
a round battlemented watch
tower which is at the origin of
the legend of its name.
In Solva, it is possible to visit
the XV Century Church della
Santissima Annunziata, which
contains frescoes representing
the punishments of hell and
the deadly sins in accordance
with XV Century tradition of
west Liguria. Certainly worth
a visit is the small church of
Santa Croce of the XIII Century with a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the sea. It
can also be the starting point
or arrival of the Via Romana
Julia Augusta, a walk linking
Alassio and Albenga, rich in
archaeological interest
The villages of Moglio, Solva
and Santa Croce can also
be reached by bus from the
centre of Alassio.
The story of a
name
It is all about the love story
between Adelasia, daughter
of Otto I of Saxony, Holy
Roman Emperor, and Aleram,
a young court cupbearer. The
emperor did not approve and
tried to stop it, causing the
two lovers to elope. They
reached this part of the world
and stopped off near mount
Tirasso where Aleram started
working for the bishop of Albenga. One day, the emperor,
still looking for his daughter,
came to Albenga as a guest
of the bishop. Aleram served
him sweet and sour wild
boar, the emperor’s favourite
dish. The emperor recognised
the two lovers, forgave his
daughter and offered Aleram
as much land as he could
cover on horseback in the
span of one day. Aleram
reached the Po River. Thus
the Aleramic March was created. In the place chosen by
Adelasia and Aleram, a town
was founded and on account
of the princess it was called
Alaxia and then Alassio.
Useful info
Pinacoteca Carlo Levi
Carlo Levi Art Gallery
Palazzo Morteo
Via Gramsci, 58
17021 Alassio
Tel. 0182 648078 / 470676
www.comune.alassio.sv.it
[email protected]
West Gallery and English Library
Viale Hanbury, 17
17021 Alassio
Tel. 0182 648078 / 643029
www.comune.alassio.sv.it
[email protected]
Museo di Scienze Naturali
Don Bosco
Museum of Natural Sciences
Don Bosco
Via San Giovanni Bosco, 12
17021 Alassio
Tel. 0182 643391 / 640309
Touristic Offer
Outdoors/Nature
Art
Family
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Laigueglia
Not to be missed
The parish church of San
Matteo has two twin steeples
topped by two polychrome
majolica domes on either
sides of the baroque church
façade. The crosses at their
tops face north-west and
south-west, i.e. the directions
from where two of most
vicious winds blow, which
bears testimony to the town’s
sea faring tradition. Next to
the church, the Oratory of
Santa Maddalena contains
works of the Liguria
tradition, among which is the
altar piece la Maddalena in
penitenza – Magdalene doing
penance - by Domenico
Piola. Another place not to
miss is the village of Colla
Micheri. It is a small village
on the hilltop between
Andora and Laigueglia and
was chosen by the famous
Norwegian explorer Thor
Heyerdahl as his home.
A history made of coral
The romantic town of Laigueglia, one of the Most Beautiful
Villages in Italy, is the last town west on the Alassio bay, at the
foot of Capo Mele. It is an old fishing village with houses on
the sea and a beach of an extra fine quality of sand. It has the
typical atmosphere of picturesque narrow lanes and piazzette,
with several shops and small cafes. It enjoyed a great
prosperity in the XVII and XVIII Centuries thanks to the coral
trade which was harvested in the western Mediterranean as
far off as the coast of Tunisia. A XVI Century defensive watch
tower, intended to protect the town from Saracen attacks, still
stands on the village sea front promenade.
Sports, events and
a little Jazz
In February, those who love
cycling cannot miss the
Trofeo Laigueglia, a race
which opens the professional
Italian biking season.
June is when the Percfest
takes place, an international
jazz and percussion
instrument festival. On
25th July, the Sbarco dei
Saraceni takes place, i.e. the
historical attack of 1546 by
the Saracen pirate Dragut is
re-enacted.
21st September is San
Matthew’s day, i.e. the day
on which the patron saint of
the town is celebrated and
a traditional market takes
place.
Touristic Offer
Outdoors/Nature
Art
Family
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Andora
The marina of
Andora
Andora’s harbour is a marina
which is property of the
Town Hall and since 1975
it has been awarded the
Bandiera Blu in recognition
of the quality of its sea. It
has been recently renovated
to become one of the most
modern and better equipped
marinas of western Liguria.
It seems natural and at the
same time ideal that it is
located at the end of the town
centre with several bars, restaurants and shops. A perfect
place for an idle stroll, shopping or for sheer fun.
A town with ancient origins
Founded by the Phoceans from Asia Minor in pre-roman times,
its historical heart is the Castello area, where the Paraxo, the
ancient residence of the marquises of Clavesana, and the XIII
Century Church of SS. Giacomo e Filippo – classical music
concerts are held here in the summer – can be found. The
adjacent Porta Torre is of the same period and stands in the
middle of an ancient Roman area of the II Century. From the
XVI Century, the town was gradually abandoned, this allowed
other parts and other hamlets to develop. Nowadays, they
form the rich mosaic of Andora, in a valley fragrant of the
herbal scents.
The Sanctuary of
Cetaceans
Created in 1999, the Sanctuary of Cetaceans reaches the
French coast (Toulon), Capo
Falcone and Capo Ferro in
Sardinia and Fosso Chiarlone
in Tuscany. The portion of
sea in the Savona area is at
the very heart of the Sanctuary. From the marina of
Andora it is possible to go on
sea excursions where it is not
unusual to spot cetaceans.
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Fish and Aromatic
Herbs
May is when a series of
events called Sale & Pesce –
Salt and Fish – takes place.
It is intended to promote the
local sea – and its products and the inland areas through
the sampling and tasting of
fish dishes. In June, the small
village of Rollo hosts the
Festa delle Erbe Aromatiche,
Officinali e delle Piante Antiche, an event during which
it is possible to learn more
about herbs and discover the
plants of the local tradition.
surrounded by woodlands
and the overhanging peaks
of the Pizzo d’Evigno and
Mount Ceresa. In 1305 it
obtained the recognition
as a free Comune. The five
pointed star on its coat of
arms is the symbol of the
five consuls that received the
charge of the local parishes.
Val Merula
Inland from the coast, it is
possible to explore the plain
of the Merula River which
flows through the town of
Andora. It is a place well
known for the cultivation of
basil, its olive groves and
olive mills which produce
a delicious and wonderful
oil. Along the river, many
species of birds find the ideal
condition for nesting which
is a great magnet for bird
watching fans. Further up the
valley, visitors can enjoy the
rural village of Stellanello,
Touristic Offer
Outdoors/Nature
Art
Family
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33
Provincia di Savona Servizio Promozione Turistica
via Sormano, 12 tel. 019 8313326 fax 019 8313269
[email protected]
www.turismo.provincia.savona.it
STL Italian Riviera
[email protected]
www.visitriviera.it
Loano, Pietra Ligure, Finale Ligure and
the Outdoor Riviera
Bardineto (17057) seasonal
Via Roascio, 5
tel. 019 7907228
fax 019 7907228
Finale Ligure (17024)
Via San Pietro, 14
tel. 019 681019
fax 019 681804
Pietra Ligure (17027)
Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 30
tel. 019 629003
fax 019 629790
Bergeggi (17028) seasonal
Via Aurelia
tel. 019 859777
fax 019 859777
Finalborgo (Finale Ligure
17024) seasonal
Piazza Porta Testa
tel. 019 680954
fax 019 6815789
Spotorno (17028)
Via Aurelia, 121 c/o Centro
Congressi Palace
tel. 019 7415008
fax 019 7415811
Loano (17025)
Corso Europa, 19
tel. 019 676007
fax 019 676818
Toirano (17055)
Piazzale Grotte
tel. 0182 989938
fax 0182 98463
Via Matteotti, 173
tel. 019 610412
fax 019 610412
Millesimo (17017)
Piazza Italia, 2
Palazzo Comunale
tel. 019 564007
fax 019 564368
[email protected]
[email protected]
Varigotti (Finale Ligure
17024) seasonal
Via Aurelia, 79
tel. 019 698013
fax 019 6988842
Calizzano (17057) seasonal
Piazza San Rocco
tel. 019 79193
fax 019 79193
Noli (17026)
Corso Italia, 8
tel. 019 7499003
fax 019 7499300
[email protected]
Literature realised with funds of L.R. 28/06
[email protected]
Borghetto Santo Spirito
(17052)
Piazza Libertà, 1
tel. 0182 950784
fax 0182 950784
[email protected]
Borgio Verezzi (17022)
seasonal
TOURIST
INFORMATION
OFFICES
[email protected]
[email protected]
Albenga (17031)
Piazza del Popolo, 11
tel. 0182 558444
fax 0182 558740
[email protected]
Andora (17051)
Largo Milano
Palazzo Tagliaferro
tel. 0182 681004
fax 0182 681807
[email protected]
Ceriale (17023)
Piazza Eroi della Resistenza
(lungomare)
tel. 0182 993007
fax 0182 993804
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Savona, Varazze and the Riviera del Beigua
Albissola Marina (17012)
Piazza Lam
tel. 019 4002525
fax 019 4005358
Sassello (17046)
Via G. B. Badano, 45
tel. 019 724020
fax 019 724020
Albisola Superiore (17011)
Piazzale Marinetti, 1
tel. 019 4510948
fax 019 4510949
Savona (17100)
Via Paleocapa, 76 r
tel. 019 8402321
fax 019 8403672
Celle Ligure (17015)
Via Boagno – Palazzo Comunale
tel. 019 990021
fax 019 9999798
Varazze (17019)
Corso Matteotti, 56 Palazzo
Beato Jacopo
tel. 019 935043
fax 019 935916
[email protected]
Alassio, Albenga and Baie del Sole
Alassio (17021)
Via Mazzini, 68
tel. 0182 647027
fax 0182 647874
[email protected]
Ortovero (17037)
Via Roma, 79
tel. 0182 547423
fax 0182 547423
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Garlenda (17033)
Via Roma, 1
tel. 0182 582114
fax 0182 582114
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
This booklet was published by the Department for the Promotion of Tourism for the
Provincia di Savona
[email protected]
Art director: Gabriele Dalla Costa (www.archimede.nu); Layout and graphics: Archimede (www.archimede.nu)
Photos: ankor2 (www.flickr.com/photos/ankor2); archivio fotografico Provincia di Savona; Davide Bacinelli (www.garlendagolf.it);
G.B. Peluffo; Lavazza & Patalano (www.matteolavazza.it); Museo Multimediale della 500 Dante Giacosa; Parco Acquatico Le Caravelle;
Roberto Malacrida (www.robertomalacrida.com); Silvio Massolo (www.silviomassolo.com).
Maps: M&R Comunicazione - Genova; Print: Algraphy - Genova; English translation: The Old Bag T. W.
Laigueglia (17053)
Piazza Preve, 17
tel. 0182 690059
fax 0182 691798
[email protected]
This booklet is free. No responsibility is accepted for errors or omissions. Rights of reproduction must be obtained from the parties entitled.
© 2011 – Provincia di Savona Department for the Promotion of Tourism.
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