Tour of the historic centre of Alassio

A fascinating route through pirate watchtowers

Experiences

Let us begin with the religious landmarks. Among the oldest in Alassio is the Collegiate Church of Saint Ambrose, dating back to the 11th century, where you can admire its distinctive Romanesque-Gothic spired bell tower. Nearby, take a moment to visit the Oratory of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, dating to the 16th century.
Continue on to the Chapel of Saint Roch, built in 1253. Inside, you will find a beautiful 17th-century Genoese altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child, flanked by Saints Sebastian and Roch.
The Church of Santa Maria Immacolata in Piazza San Francesco, also from the 16th century, tells the dramatic story of Alassio during the era of pirate raids. During one of the many Saracen incursions, the people of Alassio prayed to the Virgin Mary for deliverance; the church was later built as an ex-voto in gratitude.
Finally, bearing witness to the deep bond between Alassio and the sea, is the Oratory of Our Lady of the People, located in Vico Sant’Erasmo and built in 1614 by coral fishermen. A distinctive feature of the church is the portico floor, dating from 1640, entirely made of sea pebbles, depicting coral fishing boats and tuna.

Staying on the subject of the sea and pirates, a visit to the watchtowers is a must.

There are two of them and they are very well preserved. The oldest, the Tower of Vegliasco, is located on a hillock to the east of Alassio, halfway up the coast, in a very strategic position for monitoring the Baia del Sole. Dating back to around 1500, it has a cylindrical shape. About three metres from the ground there is a rectangular door, protected by a strong grating, operated by a drawbridge movement. The tower is also known as the “Tower of Adelesia”, the daughter of Emperor Ottone I, who, according to legend, took refuge here after her marriage to Aleramo. The other watchtower, the “Torrione Saraceno“, is located in Borgo Coscia and is adjacent to the sea. It was built in the 16th century; what remains today is only part of the large original curtain wall, erected to defend the shipyards and protect the city.