Albisola, discovering an unusual city

Introduction: a city of art and sea

Albisola is a gem of the Riviera di Ponente, a town overlooking the Ligurian Sea that offers not only a long and enchanting beach but also a vibrant cultural tradition. With a one-mile shoreline of golden sand, Albisola attracts visitors from all over, not only for its clean sea and bathing establishments, but also for its artistic heritage rooted in the 15th century, with a special fondness for ceramics.

A journey through art and history

Walking through the streets of Albisola, one comes across a fascinating mix of history, art, and culture. The old town is distinguished by its quaint alleys, cozy little squares, and typical Ligurian houses, alongside historic craft stores and small artist studios. The heart of this discovery pulsates around the Church of Our Lady of Concord, a symbol of the local community.

The Artists’ Walk: an open-air work of art

One of the most fascinating attractions is the Artists’ Walk, a kilometer of floor mosaics created by twenty internationally renowned artists. These mosaics, which grace the waterfront, tell stories of creativity and passion, making the promenade not only a place to relax, but also an authentic art gallery.

Jorn House Museum: a plunge into the imagination

The Jorn House Museum is a must for art lovers. Here, you can have a unique experience exploring the creative and architectural environment conceived by Danish artist Asger Jorn, a central figure in the modern art movement. This house-ateliér tells a story of inspiration and creative freedom in a lovely setting.

The Eugenio Montale Walk

Albisola’s waterfront, known as the Eugenio Montale promenade, stretches from the bridge over the Sansobbia stream to the historic train tunnel, offering breathtaking views of the sea and an artistic journey that unfolds over time, inviting reflection and new discoveries.

Villa Faraggiana: a plunge into the past

Another gem of the city is Villa Faraggiana, a wonderful example of an 18th-century Ligurian mansion. Here, the charm of history blends with the beauty of the surrounding nature, creating an ideal environment for walking and relaxation.

MUDA: the open-air museum

The MUDA (Museo Diffuso di Albisola) is unique in that it represents an open-air museum where ceramic crafts meet modern and contemporary art. Here, art is perfectly integrated with the land, allowing visitors to experience and discover a fascinating combination.

Museum of Ceramics: a journey through time

Located at 193 Corso Ferrari, the Manlio Trucco Museum presents a rich exhibit chronicling the evolution of Albisolese ceramics from the 15th to the 20th century. A tour that guides visitors through centuries of creativity and tradition.

Pottery: craftsmanship and history

In Albisola, the art of ceramics lives and thrives:

• St. George’s Pottery: With more than 60 years of history, they represent a benchmark for more than 250 contemporary artists.
• Pierluca Pottery: A vibrant craft workshop where the passion for ceramics is renewed every day.
• Mazzotti Ceramics: A family tradition rooted in 1903, carrying on a true and authentic passion.

The medieval village of Ellera

A few kilometers from Albisola is Ellera, an ancient Ligurian village that retains its historic charm. Its alleys, carruggi, and small squares are adorned with ceramic art panels, creating an open-air gallery that tells the story of ceramic tradition in a unique way.

Conclusion

Albisola is more than just a seaside resort; it is a true open-air museum, a place where art, culture and tradition intertwine in a concert of colors and shapes. Exploring Albisola means discovering an unusual city, dense with history and creativity, ready to surprise every visitor.

The interventions were aimed at the naturalistic redevelopment of the area, with restoration of existing structures, creation of a welcome center, implementation of protection and control systems, and definition of visiting routes. Special attention has been paid to the protection of biodiversity with the reintroduction of numerous endogenous plant species and the creation of a pond and a reptile house, which will be home to various types of amphibians and endangered species typical of the Finale area, such as the ocellated lizard.

Also presented during the meeting were ways to reopen the area to the public directed at ensuring proper use and protection. The Superintendence for the Provinces of Imperia and Savona, the Varigotti Insieme Association, the International Institute of Ligurian Studies as part of the Museo Diffuso del Finale-MUDIF project, the Environmental Education Center of the City of Finale Ligure, and the Varigotti Promontorio Guide Group have made fundamental contributions to the project and its upcoming management.