Discover Altare: Glassmaking History and Culture

Altare offers several cultural and historical points of interest to consider when planning your trip: its glassblowing tradition, sacred art, a fortress complex at Cadibona Pass, and a section of the Sentiero Italia. If you are looking for a hotel in Altare, deciding what you are most interested in can help shape your stay: would you like to focus mainly on the history of glassmaking, church art, or perhaps include a hiking section in your plans?

Glassmaking history at Villa Rosa and in local crafts

Villa Rosa opened to the public in 2004 as the home of the Museo dell’Arte Vetraria Altarese. Tours of the museum collection and Villa Rosa can be booked by email or telephone. Confirm the booking arrangements before your trip so you can plan for the tour. The museum is a good choice if you would like to focus on the history of glass; the guided visit covers both the collection and Villa Rosa. The Museo dell’Arte Vetraria Altarese can be reached via the ALTARE exit on the A6 E717 Torino–Savona motorway. Check road conditions and access arrangements before setting off.

Glassmakers from Orléans and Nevers came to Altare to organise and teach this demanding craft. Altare still has workshops that carry on the long-standing glassblowing tradition. Its history is thus presented alongside a craft tradition that continues to this day. The traditional Messa del Fuoco was an old rite marking the start of the glassmaking season. While the workshops represent the continuation of the craft, the Messa reflects its seasonal rhythm.

Sacred art and historic buildings

The sacred buildings offer another focus. The Oratorio di San Rocco was built in 1590. The Chiesa di Nostra Signora dei Prati contains frescoes in the local artistic style, said to depict scenes from the lives of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. The Oratorio’s construction date provides a clear historical reference point; the frescoes, by contrast, are notable for their local artistic style and the tentative identification of their subjects.

Plan your journey and hike

The Sbarramento di Altare fortress complex was built at Cadibona Pass towards the end of the 19th century. Forte di Altare is currently inaccessible. Check the situation locally before planning a visit. For a separate hiking option, consider section SI G23 of the Sentiero Italia, which runs from Colle di Cadibona to Forte di Monte Burotto. Its named endpoints give the section a clear route. When planning, it is important to distinguish between the two forts: SI G23 leads to Forte di Monte Burotto, whereas Forte di Altare is currently inaccessible.

Discover more destinations: Carbuta, Borgio Verezzi, Albisola Superiore, Borghetto Santo Spirito, Erli, Cairo Montenotte, Celle Ligure, Stellanello.

For the wider travel overview: Savona.