Cisano Sul Neva: History, Churches and Ligurian Olive Culture

Cisano Sul Neva is best experienced through its stone-built history, religious buildings and Ligurian olive culture. The present-day settlement of Cisano was newly founded by Albenga in 1274 as a fortified structure; construction work continued until 1288. The still-visible walls and towers of Cisano were built predominantly from large river pebbles.

Fortifications and Main Piazza

A striking example of the connection between local history and architecture is the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. The 14th-century structure was created from one of the towers of the former fortifications. The church is located on the main piazza of Cisano and faces the town’s main square. As a result, two important reference points of historic Cisano are concentrated in one clearly recognisable place: sacred architecture and the memory of the former fortifications.

San Calocero between Rock Faces

Just outside the built-up area of Cisano, San Calocero is located where the river flows between rock faces. The church was built in the 11th century by Benedictine monks from Gallinara as accommodation for pilgrims. San Calocero preserves a series of twin arcades from its Romanesque origins. For visitors interested in culture, this site therefore combines a precise historical function with a striking riverside location and visible Romanesque forms.

Conscente and the Forms of Water

The landscape in the municipality of Cisano sul Neva can also be read through specific traces. At a bridge near Conscente, water erosion processes have created narrow, deep pools. In the hamlet of Conscente, the parish church of Sant’Alessandro also stands within the Torrione building complex. The Torrione is a former aristocratic residence above the historic town centre. Here, a natural formation and historic architecture appear as different facets of the same municipality, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one way of exploring it.

Olive Oil and Ligurian Terraces

Il Poggio del Nonno Piero is part of the local character. The farm produces extra virgin olive oil from olives of the Taggiasca, Pignola and Colombaia varieties, as well as old olive varieties. The olive trees are cultivated on classic Ligurian terraces. Their dry-stone walls are made from the local Muregna stone. Those interested in regional products encounter here not only different olive varieties, but also the built structures that shape their cultivation.

An Educational Farm with Its Own Activities

Il Poggio del Nonno Piero is an educational farm recognised by the Liguria Region and offers themed tours as well as themed tastings. The educational farm also includes a sensory trail through the fields and the Museo degli Antichi Frutti. These activities make the farm’s agriculture, variety of cultivars and surroundings accessible in different ways. If you would like to combine your trip with culinary and cultural experiences, Cisano Sul Neva therefore offers several specific points of connection: the town’s fortifications and churches, the riverside landscape near Conscente, as well as olive oil, terraces and educational activities at the educational farm.

Further Places for Orientation

Celle Ligure, San Pietro D'olba, Zuccarello, Villanova D'albenga, Bossaneto, Ellera, Borgio Verezzi, Mioglia

For the overarching travel overview: Savona.