Ceriana: Discover Churches, Alleyways and Forests

Ceriana combines medieval alleyways, churches, forests and traditional dishes.

Churches, Alleyways and Historical Layers

The historic centre of Ceriana acquired its characteristic medieval snail-shaped urban layout between the 11th and 12th centuries. The buildings include the Chiesa Vecchia di San Pietro e Paolo: its partially visible foundations date from the 12th to the 13th century, while the church was completed in 1516. Inside, a wall divides the nave into an area for men and one for women.

The parish church, Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, preserves a triptych by Francesco Brea from the first half of the 16th century. In the lower part of Ceriana’s Borgo also stands the Palazzo dei Conti Roverizio di Roccasterone, a palace well worth seeing.

Religious Tradition and Music

The Chiesa di Sant'Andrea is an early Christian basilica dating back to the 4th century. It was built on a site where an Apollo temple presumably previously stood. Concerts and workshops for sacred and secular classical music are frequently held in the church and in Piazza Sant’Andrea.

Santa Caterina is associated with the Confraternita dei Rossi, which was officially founded in 1340. The first Oratorio di Santa Caterina was built in the 14th century and is linked to Ceriana’s oldest confraternity. Settimana Santa is a centuries-old celebration that combines medieval religious rites and penitential songs.

Landscape, Views and Walks

Ceriana’s landscape includes chestnut forests, olive groves, flowers and extensive areas of ornamental greenery. The site of the Santuario della Madonna della Villa has been known since the 13th century; the Santuario offers an unobstructed view across the Valle Armea. At the same time, it is accessible to people with disabilities.

The Castagno del Tumaijn was recognised as a monumental tree by a decree of the Liguria Region in 2002. The area around the tree is now a destination for excursions and walks. Profondo Verde offers three-day guided excursions in the forests of Ceriana. A tour of the churches and four oratories leads up and down through alleyways and mule tracks.

Regional Festivals and Food

The Sagra della Salsiccia di Ceriana is also known as Soussissa Serianasca and has been held for 35 years; its first edition took place in 1990. During the event, the town’s four historic confraternities offer traditional recipes based on sausage. The Festa de Rustìe is also known as Sagra della Castagna, takes place annually and offers roasted chestnuts, Castagnaccio, chestnut fritters, chestnut beer and must.

Orientation for Your Stay

From Ceriana, a mountain road leads through forests and along ridges to Passo Ghimbegna. It connects Ceriana with San Romolo and Monte Bignone, the upper Valle Argentina and Val Nervia. The tour “Alla Scoperta di Ceriana – Carugio per Carugio” provides guidance on arriving, getting around, eating, sightseeing and activities.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.