Albenga

An ancient Roman town, Albenga preserves a remarkable historic centre. It stands out from most other coastal towns in Liguria for its rich and varied heritage.

Overview and heritage

In particular, it preserves a 12th-century cathedral, early Christian remains such as the mausoleum, medieval towers, several museums including the Roman naval museum, and Roman vestiges including a 6 km stretch of the Via Julia Augusta towards Alassio.

Offshore, the island of Gallinara was inhabited from Phoenician times, then by the Romans and monks. It is now a nature reserve with rich flora and a haven for seabirds. The diving around it is spectacular, with its red coral, starfish, seahorses and a multitude of fish.

The Cathedral of the Archangel Saint Michael is one of the oldest temples in the region, whose origins date back to the 5th century, blending early Christian, Romanesque and Baroque elements, including the 11th-century bell tower, its carved wooden choir, its wall frescoes, and the Triptych of the Annunciation from the 15th century by Ludovico Brea on the high altar.
The town has kept several old medieval towers:, including the three on the central square, Torre della Ciò (14th century, which can be climbed), Torre Costa and Torre Navone which was part of the defensive walls.

The Diocesan Museum documents the history of the church in Albenga. It also allows visitors to see the old baptistery (5th-century mosaics) and the bell tower.
The Multimedia Centre of the Isola Gallinara Reserve documents the treasures of the island and its history.
The Roman Naval Museum is dedicated to ancient maritime culture and naval architecture, documenting Albenga’s maritime past.
The Museum Magiche Transparenarenze is devoted to ancient Roman glass objects from Albenga, with remarkable pieces.

Albenga also has many historic palaces, including the Palazzo Vecchio from the 13th century (former seat of the municipality), blending Gothic and Romanesque and adorned with frescoes and sculptures inside. The Palazzo Costa preserves Baroque beauties and fine decorations, the Palazzo Scotto Niccolari from the Renaissance has a particularly fine facade, the Casa Fieschi Ricci from the 15th century preserves Gothic elements, and then the Casa d’Aste Basso.

Map

Information

• Albenga: en.wikipedia.org, www.scoprialbenga.it, www.visitriviera.info, turismo.savona.it