Albisola Superiore: Art, Ceramics and History

Albisola Superiore offers several ways to explore the area on a trip focused on art and local history: art by the sea, ceramics, historic buildings and trails in Ellera. Ceramics can be found both in large-scale works in public spaces and on decorative art panels in the lanes of the old village. Remains of Roman settlements and buildings from later periods complete the picture.

Art and Ceramics by the Sea

The Passeggiata Eugenio Montale is a long art trail that runs along the sea. Onda is a monumental bench, about 120 metres long, clad in multicoloured glazed stoneware tiles. Another form of ceramic art is the Presepe degli Abissi: it consists of three life-size ceramic statues depicting the Nativity, installed in the coastal waters off Albisola Superiore and Albissola Marina. The works vary considerably in scale and form, from the long art trail and tiled bench to life-size figures in the coastal waters.

Local history can also be explored through specific buildings and archaeological sites. The walking route through the historic centre of Superiore takes in medieval architecture, religious monuments and the ceramics of Albisola. At Alba Docilia, visible remains of a Roman settlement dating from the 2nd century AD are preserved near Albisola Superiore railway station. The parish church of San Nicolò was built in the 11th century at the foot of Castellaro and rebuilt in 1600. Villa Gavotti was built in 1744 for Francesco Maria, the last descendant of the Della Rovere family. The Museo Manlio Trucco is housed in the former home and studio of the painter and ceramic artist Manlio Trucco.

Ellera: Village and Trails

Ellera retains the character of an old Ligurian inland village. Its historic centre is known for its picturesque lanes, caruggi and small squares, decorated with ceramic art panels that form an open-air gallery of ceramic art. The Scuola Comunale di Ceramica runs educational workshops for schools at all levels.

The Ellera–Santa Maddalena–Ellera loop passes through terraced farmland and past rural buildings and stretches of Mediterranean woodland, before reaching Santa Maria Maddalena. The church in Ellera stands on a rocky outcrop above the Sansobbia stream. The Ellera–Bric Beia–Ellera loop is 10 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 500 metres. Check these route details locally before setting out. From the church of San Nicolò, a short hiking trail leads to Castellaro and continues to the Santuario della Pace. The route options therefore range from a loop with a stated elevation profile to a short link between clearly named destinations.

Albisola Capo also has a historic centre by the sea, once a fishing village close to the beach. This former character adds another historical perspective on the coast, alongside the Roman traces and buildings from different periods.

Discover more destinations: Casanova Lerrone, Laigueglia, Zuccarello, Albenga, Erli, Alassio, Garlenda, Marina di Andora.

For the main travel overview: Savona.