Discover Toirano: Bàsura Cave, History and Mountain Panorama

Toirano combines an exceptional past with impressive sites for those interested in culture and nature. The Bàsura Cave preserves hundreds of human footprints, handprints and knee prints, as well as finger marks and charcoal traces dating from the late Epigravettian period around 14,400 years ago. There is also a historic settlement, churches from different eras, paths throughout the municipality and Monte Varatella, with its sweeping views that appeal from far and wide. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Toirano will find a place where different kinds of holiday experiences can be combined.

Cave, museum and medieval traces

A special cultural landmark is the Museo Etnografico della Val Varatella. It is housed in the stables of the 16th-century Palazzo D'Aste. In historic Toirano, two of the former five entrance gates have also been preserved. Traces of walls, towers, medieval houses and loggias make the former settlement structure a direct part of the townscape. The Ex Monastero della Certosa is also one of the historic buildings: it was constructed from 1495 onwards after the Carthusian monks received permission to move the monastery's seat from Monte Varatella.

Churches from several centuries

The Parrocchiale di San Martino Vescovo di Tours offers a clear insight into Toirano's architectural history. The present building dates from a complete reconstruction at the end of the 16th century and is a Baroque structure with three naves. The bell tower of the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Martino in Toirano dates from the 14th century. The Chiesa della Madonna del Rosario is also located in the historic centre. It houses a 17th-century processional statue of the Madonna del Rosario.

Monte Varatella and paths through the landscape

The Abbazia di San Pietro nei Monti stands on the summit of Monte Varatella. It was founded by Benedictine monks before the year 1000; the summit offers a magnificent panorama. In Toirano, you can walk along paths throughout the municipality. The landscape can therefore be combined with historic destinations and religious sites, without limiting your travel plans to a single experience. A traditional procession also travels every five years from the Borgo di Toirano to the summit of Monte Varatella.

Festivals, processions and local cuisine

The annual calendar brings its own occasions. Every year, on the feast day of 13 December, a torchlight procession takes place at the Santuario rupestre di S. Lucia, organised by the Gruppo Speleologico Cycnus. During the Festa dei Gunbi, the historic centre comes alive with a tour featuring typical dishes, music, performances and folklore. The festival celebrates Toirano's local cultural and gastronomic heritage. This creates travel plans for families with different interests, combining discoveries, walks, history and shared culinary experiences.

Ponte delle Giaire and Canepari

The Ponte delle Giaire connects the Borgo di Toirano with the village of Canepari and is crowned by a small shrine dedicated to the Madonna. The shrine adds a religious detail to the bridge's local character. Religious references can also be found in Toirano at the Chiesa della Madonna del Rosario, the Parrocchiale di San Martino and the Abbazia di San Pietro nei Monti.

Further places for planning your trip: Borghetto Santo Spirito, Magliolo, Gorra, Spinetta, Pero, Quiliano, Ceriale, Coasco.

To the higher-level travel overview: Savona.