Holiday apartment in Chiusanico between village history and mountain landscapes

Between village history and mountain landscapes

Chiusanico is surrounded by typical terraces planted with olive trees. Around the medieval historic centre, the village preserves monumental buildings and portals. Castello (U Caštéllu) is the oldest of the three historic districts. The Borgata Castello is located on a scenic ridge along Monte Scorticabecco. The terraces form part of the immediate landscape, while monumental buildings and portals characterise the historic centre.

Churches and traces of the past

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. Its portico preserves a bas-relief depicting an eagle, a medieval emblem of the powerful Doria family. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santo Stefano was remodelled in 1827 in neoclassical forms, based on a design by the architect Gaetano Cantoni. Inside is a polyptych of Saint Stephen attributed to the Dè Rossi school of painters. A tombstone dating from 1588 marks the burial place of the Colombo family there. Another defining religious building is the Santuario della Madonna della Neve, a Marian sanctuary in Chiusanico dating from the period between 1660 and 1680. For those interested in culture, the architectural forms, visual art and family history here are linked to specific place names and dates.

Trails, peaks and special natural sites

Pizzo d’Evigno is a grass-covered, pyramid-shaped elevation with a summit at 989 metres. From Torria, a well-maintained trail leads to the summit in approximately two hours, with around 500 metres of elevation gain. These approximate figures provide the tour with a clear time and physical framework without limiting the mountain to a single route. From Gazzelli, a marked trail also leads to Pizzo d’Evigno via the remains of the old San Bernardo chapel. Those planning the ascent can choose between the route from Torria, which takes approximately two hours and involves around 500 metres of elevation gain, and the marked variant from Gazzelli.

Passo di San Giacomo lies on the watershed between the municipalities of Chiusanico and Cesio. The pass is suitable for camping and is frequently chosen by amateur astronomers for observing the night sky. At the Rio Lavandero lies a deep pool called Ribelea, where swimming is possible in summer. At night, the pass is associated with camping and starry skies; swimming, on the other hand, is a summer activity at Ribelea.

Regional cuisine and local traditions

The traditional grape variety that has clearly predominated in Chiusanico for centuries and continues to do so today is the so-called “Ormeasco”. Taggiasca is considered the most valuable olive variety in Chiusanico and is closely linked to the surroundings characterised by olive terraces. Mountain cuisine includes ravioli and a tart with wild herbs. Traditional dairy products include an excellent cow’s-milk cheese, Toma, and Pecorino. In Chiusanico, “Cena a mille stelle” refers to a Sagra held beneath the starry sky of San Lorenzo.

Other places for orientation

Riva Faraldi, Diano San Pietro, Diano Arentino, Serreta, San Biagio Della Cima, Termini, Calvo, Ville San Pietro

For the overview of the wider destination: Imperia.