Photogallery
Alassio
Considered one of the pearls of the Riviera di Ponente, lying along a sweet bay, Alassio developed around the year 1000, as a fief of the Benedictines of the island of Gallinara, later became Villa del Comune of Albenga, but in 1540 the Republic of Genoa sanctioned the its autonomy.
At present Alassio, with its wide and long beach, presents itself with a nucleus of ancient houses crossed by cheerful alleys, around which the new part is extended with elegant hotels, villas, parks and gardens. The pretty town enjoys a privileged position that guarantees a particularly mild climate and thus offers a pleasant stay in all seasons.
Of interesting historical value is the Parish Church of S. Ambrogio (eleventh century) transformed and enlarged in 1507. With its Renaissance-style façade, the bell tower of Gothic Romanesque style and the Baroque interior, it is a prodigious interweaving of artistic currents.
Of particular value are the Palazzo dei Ferrero De Gubernatis Ventimiglia (eighteenth century) and the Palazzo Sofferi which preserves a precious Crucifix Pleasant is the walk to the Church of Santa Croce (XI century) reachable in a short time by following the Roman road among ancient olive trees and dotted with villas. With a few minutes more you can make an excursion to the Madonna della Guardia climbing the winding road, countless and picturesque villages that dominate the sea. Renowned around the world the picturesque wall between signatures placed in artistic plaster and precious ceramics recalls all the great artists who have stayed in Alassio.
- Garlenda a few steps from the sea of Alassio, with a mild climate all year round, a typical agricultural village that shows elegance and liveliness. Flowered streets and stately homes coexist with ancient stone architecture and modern facilities dedicated to golf (Garlenda Golf Club) and horse riding. Lifestyle and tradition meet in unique events such as the “Fiat 500 Meeting” dedicated to the legendary four-wheel drive and cultural events such as the display of calendars and lunar in the charming Costa-Del Carretto Castle.
Albenga
It is one of the major monumental historical centers in the context of western Liguria.
Founded approximately between the 4th and 6th centuries BC it was the ancient capital of the Ingauni Ligurian tribe. Allied with the Carthaginians during the Second Punic War and later conquered by Rome, during the Empire it evolved until it became a thriving Roman Town Hall. After the year 1000 it had the advantage of being one of the first seafaring communes to reach its own independence.
In 1098, he participated in the first Crusade, following which they were recognized privileges in the Levant. In the twelfth century it was annexed to the Republic of Genoa. Today, in addition to being one of the most important centers specialized in the production and marketing of fruit and vegetables, Albenga is also famous as a seaside resort and is frequented by numerous tourists throughout the year.
There are countless monuments and religious buildings that make up the precious testimony of the glorious past of the city. The many reddish towers of medieval origin have always attracted the attention of the less attentive tourist. Among the religious buildings of particular interest, we point out the Cathedral of St. Michael, an imposing temple of early Christianity, built around the 5th century and subsequently rebuilt. Campochiesa is a tourist destination where the Church of S. Giorgio is located, built in the XII century, where you can admire frescoes of great artistic value. Interesting and informative also the visit to the Lengueglia Castle in Casanova Lerrone (fraction Bassanico). The historic center of Albenga is one of the most fascinating architectural heritage of the entire region.
Villanova d’Albenga
The medieval walled village was founded in 1225 between the torrents Arroscia and Lerrone, as a fortification of the Municipality of Albenga against the rampant feuds of the Laigueglia and Clavesana. The popular summer holiday center, famous for its peach orchards, preserves part of the ancient crenellated walls with ten towers and two gates. This uncommon urban structure, typically medieval, has unfortunately been struck by the devastating effects of the war, but has been restored without compromising the considerable monumental historical value of the town. Worthy of mention is the romantic Parish Church of St. Stephen (12th century) with an interesting well-preserved 13th-century bell tower. Just outside the town, on the road to Garlenda, we find the harmonious Church of S. Maria della Rotonda, one of the few examples of a Renaissance building with a central plan. At the center of the village there is an ancient and picturesque medieval Well, characteristic for copper chains and mugs. Until the 1930s he supplied drinking water to all the inhabitants and became the symbol of Villanova. There are also numerous square towers and the remains of the ancient walls, which testify to the historical past of the village. Pleasant excursions in the green are possible in the Lerrone and Arroscia valleys.