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How to get there: From SS1 Aurelia, at Borghetto S. Spirito (exit at Albenga or Pietra Ligure Highway A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia) continue along the road for Toirano, therefore Balestrino. You can also reach the town by Albenga – Via Ciasano sul Neva and Castelvecchio.
The spontaneous Ligurian architecture can be seen in the rustic homes of the old part of Balestrino, which is a fantastic and harmonious example. Its structure is still intact with terraces and gardens and the town seems to be a small Nativity scene. It originated from an embattled tower rock fortified by the Romans that was used to control the Ligurian tribes. The “Burgus Plebis” widened the colony of the entire valley that already had Paleolithic settlements in the “Tane de Boesa.” The “Caselle” also developed out of stone and the Middle Ages opened the doors to Feudalism.
The Signoria dei Bava built a Castle on top of the Rocca Curaira and it was guarded by a French garrison from Balestrieri. This is how Balestrino received its place-name. In the first years of the 16th century the Emperor Massimiliano I gave the feud to the Marquis Del Carretto of the Zuccarello branch, but when Pirro II demanded tolls and taxes a civil revolt occurred that ended with the assassination of the Marquis and his lover as well as the burning of the castle. The heirs of Del Carretto took over the domain and the feud became economically richer.
Mills and oil pressers contributed to the development of Balestrino that lived autonomously until the French Revolution. In 1795, after the liberation and the distribution of land to farmers the town was against Napoleon and it paid the consequences with 15 dead civilians and the entire destruction of Bergalla.
The Castello Fortezza enclosed in the castle walls was widened many times throughout the centuries and in 1886 it was transformed. The rounded off corners give a more delicate aspect to the austere building that has a powerful dominating position. Nothing can escape from the cupola covered watch towers. The Church of St. Giorgio that has been recently restored, has many precious 14th century frescos. The Church of St. Andrea and the new Parish Church al Poggio are the most representative religious structures as well as the Sanctuary of Mounte Croce. History, culture, and poetry surround the legendary town of Balestrino. Among the silence of nature you can admire the beautiful town of Balestrino that seems to have ghosts of the past.
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