Discover Costarainera – Churches, Ancient Paths and Sea Views

Costarainera combines churches, historic paths and Mediterranean landscape with old village features and views of the sea. There are also paths through gardens, olive terraces, olive groves and Mediterranean maquis.

Churches and Local History

Despite later alterations, the 13th-century Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate retains its original Gothic style. Its location served as a transport hub at least as early as the 10th or 11th century.

At Sant’Antonio Abate, the site’s former role as a transport hub adds to its architectural history.

A pre-Romanesque chapel was founded here and was tended by Benedictine monks at least from the 12th century onwards; it stood beside a hospice for pilgrims.

The chapel is therefore also associated with Benedictine monks and pilgrims.

The Oratorio di San Sebastiano retains its late-fifteenth-century layout with two naves. Its limestone capitals bear engraved symbols representing fertility, rebirth and protection, or a beneficial effect. The two naves are part of the layout, while the symbols belong to the capitals’ furnishings. At the same time, it is a ruined building surrounded by dense growth of olive trees and stone pines.

The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Giovanni Battista was built immediately outside the late-medieval fortification wall of Costarainera’s borgo. Its Baroque design is partly concealed by the thick plaster.

The historic buildings differ in style, layout and location: Sant’Antonio Abate retains Gothic forms, San Sebastiano has two naves, and San Giovanni Battista lies outside the fortification, with its Baroque design partly concealed.

Historic Paths and Mediterranean Landscape

The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate stands on the hill that shields the village of Costarainera, between the walls of the old cemetery and pine and cypress trees. It can be reached via historic paths and mule tracks. The surroundings of cemetery walls, pines and cypresses frame the church’s hilltop location.

Via San Giacomo runs through the historic centre of Costarainera and is considered to be a former section of the route to Santiago de Compostela.

The San Lorenzo al Mare–Costarainera–Cipressa–Aregai route follows an old hillside path through Mediterranean vegetation and offers views of the sea. It also follows an ancient mule track through uncultivated areas, cultivated land and olive groves.

The Anello di Costarainera passes through cultivated gardens, olive terraces and Mediterranean maquis and offers an impressive view of the sea. Unlike Via San Giacomo in the historic centre, the Anello passes through cultivated gardens, olive terraces and Mediterranean maquis.

A Virtual Visit to Parco del Benessere

Parco del Benessere “Giacomo Filippo Novaro” offers a virtual visit with images, information panels and accompanying audio contributions.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Also discover San Bartolomeo Di Caravonica, Vallecrosia, Calvo, Rezzo, Montalto Ligure, Santo Stefano Al Mare, Isolalunga and Perinaldo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.