Stellanello: Ligurian History Among Olive Groves

Stellanello is located in the upper Merula Valley, surrounded by extensive olive groves. The municipality is a typical Ligurian settlement made up of scattered hamlets in green and peaceful surroundings.

History Between Castle Walls and Sacred Buildings

An important historical landmark is the Castello sottano. It was built around 1170 on a small hill above the Merula stream and expanded in the mid-14th century with a large underground cistern and a powerful wall featuring water outlets. In 1303, Stellanello was granted its own statutes and greater autonomy through the Statutum Vallis Stellanelli. Near the small cemetery are also the imposing walls of the old castle of Stellanello. They originate from a castle built by the Clavesana family between the 12th and 13th centuries.

The parish church of San Vincenzo features Baroque forms and has polychrome marble altars inside. The Church of Saints Vincenzo and Anastasio combines Romanesque and Baroque elements and contains frescoes and sacred works of art. The Church of San Gregorio dates from the 15th century and preserves a valuable Baroque altar. The Church of San Gregorio Magno was restored in 1929 and 1994. The parish church of San Lorenzo Martire dates back to 1448, when it was founded under the direction of Bishop Giorgio Fiesco.

The Santuario della Madonna di Loreto and the Oratorio di San Damiano provide further distinctive points of interest. The sanctuary houses a wooden group carved by Garaventa in 1700 depicting the Madonna and Saint Elisabetta. The Oratorio di San Damiano stands out for its octagonal structure. Behind the Santuario SS. Cosma e Damiano stands the Stellanello war memorial. The patronal feast of Saints Cosma and Damiano is celebrated every year with Masses, processions and cultural activities.

The Cappella della Madonna della Neve is part of the local tradition. Its name is linked to a local legend according to which a miraculous snowfall in summer marked the building site. The Cappella di San Francesco d’Assisi in the Rossi hamlet was probably built in the Middle Ages.

Hiking, Cycling and the History of “Fischia il vento”

The municipality of Stellanello highlights hiking and cycling routes within its territory. The municipal route directory includes the “Tra Uliveti, Frantoi, Cantine e Lavanda” trail, bringing together themes that represent the landscape and local character. The “Fischia il vento” hiking trail can be started in Stellanello and followed in the direction of the Duranti hamlet. At the same time, Duranti is connected with the song’s origins: the first verses of “Fischia il vento” were written at Passu du Beu in the Duranti hamlet of Stellanello.

Olive Oil and Ligurian Specialties

The olive groves find their culinary counterpart in the local olive oil tradition. The tradition of Frantoio Rossi dates back to 1888; its passion for olive oil has been passed down there for five generations. Today, the business is located in San Damiano. Frantoio Bestoso Domenico offers Taggiasca olives in brine and pitted in extra virgin olive oil, a pâté made with Taggiasca olives and extra virgin olive oil, basil pesto and preserves in oil. All specialties are produced independently and by hand in the company’s own workshop.

You can find further destinations for planning your trip at Erli, Balestrino, Spinetta, Piani, Bergeggi, Cosseria, Albenga and Gorra.

For the broader travel overview: Savona.