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Alassio, which has just turned one thousand years old, has its roots in the tradition of the legend of Adelasia, daughter of Emperor Otto I who, together with Aleramo, finds refuge in the territory of present-day Alassio.
It is believed that the first settlements date back to the 10th century, when some families settled on the hill known as the "Castlé" Madonna delle Grazie, where the oldest coat of arms of Alassio is still preserved. Such families later descended from the heights to the beach giving rise to the "Burgun Alaxii".
Il Muretto, the little wall near the Town Hall. It's covered with tiles signed by famous and well known people who visited Alassio in the past (writers such as Hemingway, singers, actors, sport stars…). The statue of the "two lovers"by Peynet is on it.
TThe Benedictine church of Santa Croce: built during the 11th-12th century by the Benedictine monks of the Gallinara Island, acted as a hostel for travellers. It has a 16th century front porch and offers an enchanting view of the Gulf.
The church of "Madonna della Guardia": the sanctuary , dedicated to seamen, was built in the XIII century over the ruins of a 11the cent. castle and dominates Mount Tirasso (521 mt o.s.l.). It's surrounded by a huge park.
The "Sant'Ambrogio" Parish Church: built by theBenedictines and reconstructed in 1507, preserves Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance details. In the baroque interior are preserved paintings from the Genoese School.
The Roman Road Julia Augusta: from the name of Emperor Augusto it stretches from Santa Croce to Albenga (4 km) half way up the hills. Along it funeral buildings (dating back to the I century a.C.) and remains of suburban villas came to light through excavations..