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How to get there: Exit at San Remo or Arma di Taggia (Highway A10 Ge-Ventimiglia) take the Via Aurelia near San Remo and take the road towards Ceriana-Baiardo.
The origins of the primitive nucleus, the “Castrum Coelianae” goes back the noble Romana family di Celii while the late medieval center developed in the valley floor near the Armea Torrent. The constructions of the area move from the bottom towards the top and it is made up of homes, churches, and olive presses. The compact structure of the agglomerate is closed by a wall made of stone homes. The town of Ceriana is very interesting and it has been well conserved. It was a possession of the Counts of Ventimiglia and in 1038 it was given to the Genovese. Corrado, the Bishop of Genoa turned it into a rural county due to its strategical position because it can be seen from the sea but it guards the entire valley. It was then sold in 1297 to Oberto Doria and it became property of the Genovese in 1359 and it divided honors and responsibilities with Genoa until its annexation to the Sardinia Kingdom.
The intriguing vestibule has labyrinths, green streets, and stairs that intertwine with artistic underground passages. History and culture blend well in this farming town that has old shops and slate portals. The Church of St. Pietro and St. Paolo also known as Santo Spirito dates back to the 12th –13th centuries and it was reconstructed at the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. The lower residential area has two lateral portals that date back to the 16th century and they were designed by extraordinary Ligurian sculptors called Lapicidi di Cènova. On the façade there are two bell towers and inside there is a wall that was raised transversally in order to divide the areas reserved for men and women. Adjacent to the Church is the Oratory of St. Caterina that was the Parish Church in the past. Its construction dates back to 1736-37.
Ceriana can be defined as a place of excellence of “Casacce” and the Oratories that still exist. The Church dell’Addolorata exalts the Romanic Tower of St. Andrea. The Oratory of St. Marta contains the sacred ashes of St. Placido and St. Germanione. The Oratory della Visitazione was built on top of the ruins of a Roman alter and there is also the interesting 12th century Porta della Pena. Of great beauty is the Parish Church of St. Pietro that has a white façade and two bell towers. Inside you can admire a precious 16th century polyptych that goes well with the unique wooden alter. Olive groves and vineyards highlight the landscape and they make a fantastic olive oil as well as a delicious “Moscato di Ceriana,” which is a famous wine that is appreciated by all sommeliers worldwide.
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