Castellaro

The name of this ancient town derives from "castellari", the strategic places that were given fortifications by the ancient Ligurians.

One of these was transformed into a castle by the De Quadraginta family, and the town grew up around it in the eleventh century. Conceded to the Spinola family in 1472, it later passed into the hands of the Gentili family in the seventeenth century. They were the feudal owners of the place until feudal privileges were abolished.

The churches of San Pietro and the Assunta were built on the ruins of the feudal castle. The church of San Pietro in Vincoli was built between 1619 and 1634 and preserves a number of works of art: the main altar and the marble tabernacle are the work of the celebrated Genoese sculptor Gaggini; of the eight minor altars, those dedicated to Sant'Antonio Abate, San Paolo Eremita and San Crocifisso are particularly beautiful.

The church also has some fine stuccoes and a wooden crucifix that is said to have miraculous powers. The wooden statue of the Madonna Assunta in the oratory of the same name is the work of Maragliano.

Religious services are held in the ancient oratory during the festival of the Madonna del Carmine. Of unknown origins, the building preserves candelabra and sacred objects dating from 1650 and a painting showing Sant'Eligio catching a horse.

The magnificent castle with the twin lateral towers dominating Piazza Ruffini in the heart of the town bears the name of Monsignor Arnaldi, the archbishop of Spoleto. Castellaro hosts bicycle races and motocross competitions. This is also where you can taste "fugazzun", a marrow and vegetable pie.