|
|
|
|
In the heart of the Ligurian-Emiliano Apennines there is Val d’Aveto which is the true mountain of the Riviera. It is characterized by breathtaking mountain tops that embrace the entire valley.
It offers a cocktail of beauty and magic through its relaxing yet mind boggling vista points and although it is near the sea you can appreciate the mountainous nature of glaciers, flora and fauna. Santo Stefano is surrounded by mountain tops, peaks, needles that have ancient volcanic origins, delicate peat-moss, and untouched forests.
Santo Stefano d’Aveto is an important community of the valley and it is located in a basin that is dominated by Mount Maggiorasca.
Today the valley has become a magnificent summer and winter resort.
In the town square you can admire the previous parish church that was transformed into an oratory, but later it was destroyed.
Today, near the isolated bell tower you can visit the 1929 parish church.
Further down the road you can admire the irregular structure of the old town center. Here you can walk the narrow streets that will lead you to small town squares.
These streets also connect the two sides of the torrent.
Some of the architectonic structures that have been preserved as well as its urban fabric makes this town unique.
Here you can still see remarkable 13th century ruins of the Malaspina castle. In fact, since 1164 Malaspina was lord of the town until the Fieschi and Doria families took over.
In the irregular polygonal base of the castle you can admire parts of its walls as well as other fortified parts of the castle.
The area adjacent to the castle is featured by a large tourist urbanization phenomena, which contrasts with the older signs of the towns agricultural, forestry, and pastoral economy.
|
|
|
|
