The foundation of the city goes back to the XI century, Alassio was initially controlled by Benedictine monks, then came under the government of Albenga. It has an intense seafaring history: around 1500 it became a part of the Republic of Genoa, participating, in 1528, in the war against France. It also took on an important role in 1571 during the Battle of Lepanto. Over the years, it stood out for it role as an important commercial hub, in particular for the commerce of red coral. Throughout the XIX century, as happened in many other Ligurian communities, it underwent a tourist boom which reached its peak in the Sixties.

What to Visit

What is there to see in Alassio? Among religious architecture there is the Collegiata di Sant’Ambrogio: a tall Roman-Gothic bell tower located in the historical centre. The Renaissance facade, dated back to 1896, conserves an old slate portal from 1511. The construction of the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata is due to a promise made by the population following a pirate raid. Around the end of the 1800s, an Anglican church was built, which is now home to a number of exhibitions, conferences and musical concerts. Among the civil works there is the Palazzo Ferrero de Gubernatis Ventimiglia in Alassio’s historical centre, going back to the XVIII century, recently restored. This is where Napoleon spent the night during the French occupation at the end of the Eighteenth century. Inside Palazzo Scofferi is a crucifix attributed to the Flemish sculptor, Jean de Boulogne, also known as Giambologna. And lastly, one cannot miss visiting the Muretto di Alassio, symbol of the city. The idea of adorning and decorating the wall came from the owner of Caffè Roma. This proposal was welcomed and supported by the American writer, Ernest Hemingway, who was staying in the city, and frequently went to the cafe. Not having official authorisation, the first three ceramic tiles – with the autograph of the writer, the Cetra Quartet and the guitarist, Cosimo Di Ceglie- were placed almost in secret at the beginning of 1953. The next day, after no disciplinary action was taken by the council, this convinced the creator to continue his work by adding other irregular coloured tiles. Over the years, and with the popularity of this wall, the autographs of a number of film and television actors were added along with personalities in fashion, show business and sports: now there are nearly 1,000. The bronze statue of the Lovers, placed above the wall, is by the sculptor, Eros Pellini. Closely connected is also the beauty pageant of the same name which takes place in the city of Alassio: Miss Muretto. If you weren’t sure about what to visit in Alassio, we hope that this brief introduction has helped.

Where to Eat

Ventre di tonno [tuna belly] is a local dish, prepared as a stew with potatoes, tomato pulp, parsley, pine nuts, bay leaves, walnuts, white wine and oil. Biscetta is a fritter made with fennel seeds, a product local to the area of Solva which also hosts a food festival every year. Risiny is a dessert with the consistency of a custard, also well known are the Baci di Alassio. These can be enjoyed at the Pasticciera Riviera, for meals, of note are the elegant, Ristorante Lamberti, La Locanda della Torre Antica, La Prua as well as the agritourism, Garumba.

Where to Stay

Hotel Ligure Alassio and Diana Grand Hotel are perfect for their comfortable and elegant environments. In a lower price bracket, there is also the Hotel Florida and Tirreno. Among the bed & breakfasts are BB Alassio and Le Rose.

Boating

The port of Alassio has 550 spaces over a surface area of 39 thousand m2. It is 4.2 nautical miles from the port of Andora and 1.2 nautical miles from Isola Gallinara. The services offered are cranes, towage, weather forecasts, fuel, repair and storage. There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the nearby area. Lat. 44° 01′ N – Long. 8° 11′ E

• Classification: Public Port of II cat. IV class
• Authority: Circolo Nautico “Al Mare” – tel. 0182/642516
• Maritime Authority: Ufficio Marittimo di Alassio tel. 0182/662207
• Water surface area: 39,000 m2
• Land Service Area: 8,212 m2
• Mooring Area: 1,405 m
• Sea Floor: 2 -7 m
• Number of Spaces Available: 550
• Spaces Reserved for Professional Fishing: 40
• Spaces Reserved for Transit: 60m of the pier

Boating Shops

The biggest boating shops are Sermar Servizi Marini Srl and Nautica S. R. L..

Refuelling

Boat refuelling is possible at the Marina di Alassio (0182/662207)

Shipyards

Shipyards are located in Nautica S. R. L..

Boating in Alassio

For pleasure boaters in Liguria, Alassio is well known and appreciated thanks to its well equipped port, known under the name of “Luca Ferrari”, European blue flag in 2006 and 2007, it offers a number of boating services as well as approximately  400 spaces for boats up to  32 metres in overall length.