Chiusanico: Churches, Olive Terraces and Trails to Pizzo d’Evigno

Chiusanico combines a medieval historic center with olive terraces, historic churches and a landscape where trails, mountain peaks and natural pools appeal to different travel interests. It also boasts a distinctive local cuisine featuring wine, olives, ravioli and traditional cheeses. When choosing a hotel for your trip to Italy, you can therefore consider the town from cultural, scenic and culinary perspectives.

Historic Center and Sacred Buildings

The medieval historic center of Chiusanico preserves monumental buildings and portals. Castello, also known as U Caštéllu in Ligurian, is the oldest of the three historic districts. Within this historic setting stands the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. Its portico preserves a bas-relief depicting an eagle, regarded as the medieval emblem of the powerful Doria family.

The sacred heritage also includes the Santuario della Madonna della Neve, a Marian shrine in Chiusanico. It dates from the period between 1660 and 1680.

Traces of Art and Local History

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santo Stefano houses a polyptych of Saint Stephen attributed to the Dè Rossi family of painters. A gravestone dated 1588 marks the burial place of the Colombo family there. Together with the Romanesque forms of San Lorenzo and the medieval historic center, these details represent different historical periods that you can deliberately connect during a walk through Chiusanico.

Olive Terraces and Mountain Landscape

Chiusanico is surrounded by typical terraces planted with olive trees. The Passo di San Giacomo lies on the watershed between the municipalities of Chiusanico and Cesio. Pizzo d’Evigno is a grass-covered, pyramid-shaped elevation with a summit at 989 meters.

Trails, Swimming and the Starry Sky

From Torria, a well-maintained trail leads to the summit of Pizzo d’Evigno in about two hours, with approximately 500 meters of elevation gain. From Gazzelli, a marked trail also leads to the summit via the remains of the old San Bernardo chapel.

The Rio Lavandero forms a deep pool called Ribelea; swimming is possible there in summer. The Passo di San Giacomo is suitable for camping and is frequently chosen by amateur astronomers for observing the starry sky. Depending on your personal priorities, you can therefore consider water activities, time spent outdoors and stargazing as distinct aspects of your travel planning.

Wine, Olives and Mountain Cuisine

The traditional grape variety that has clearly predominated in Chiusanico for centuries and continues to do so today is Ormeasco. Among the olives, Taggiasca is considered the most valuable variety in Chiusanico. Mountain cuisine includes ravioli and a pie made with wild herbs. Traditional dairy products include an excellent cow’s-milk cheese called Toma and Pecorino. These specialties give the local cuisine a distinct character and make it appealing to travelers who want to discover regional products as well as historic buildings.

“Cena a mille stelle” is the name given in Chiusanico to a sagra held under the starry sky of San Lorenzo.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Priorities

When choosing your hotel for Chiusanico, you can first decide which themes should shape your days. Those interested in architecture and local history can focus on the medieval historic center, Castello, San Lorenzo, Santo Stefano and the Santuario della Madonna della Neve. For hikes, the trails from Torria and Gazzelli to Pizzo d’Evigno are the main attractions. If you would like to give greater weight to other nature experiences, you can consider the Rio Lavandero, the Passo di San Giacomo and stargazing. Wine, olives and mountain cuisine ultimately give the trip a culinary focus.

Other Destinations in the Same Travel Area

Other destinations: Vallebona, Ventimiglia, Borghetto D'arroscia, Borganzo, Pantasina, San Remo, Chiusavecchia, Costa D'oneglia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.