Celle Ligure, tourist crossroads of the Riviera di Ponente

Celle Ligure, whose name probably derives from the Latin Cellae (“small landing place” or “depot”), has uncertain origins but appears for the first time in 1014 in a document by Emperor Henry II. First ruled by the Aleramici family, then by the Ponzone family, the Malocelli family, and finally the Doria family, it came under the rule of Genoa with the agreement of 1343, while retaining its own statutes.

In 1414, Francesco Della Rovere, the future Pope Sixtus IV, was born in Pecorile. In the following centuries, the village built fortifications against barbarian incursions and developed a flourishing maritime trade which, through boats called “latine,” connected Celle to Provence, Spain, and Portugal. The trade in ceramics, hemp, and iron was famous, involving merchants, sailors, mule drivers, and local notables.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Celle became one of the most prosperous centers of the Riviera di Ponente, with a commercial network that extended to the hinterland and Mediterranean Europe. However, the 19th century brought decline: French customs duties and the construction of the railway (1868) drastically reduced maritime traffic.

In the 20th century, with the founding of Olmo Biciclette (1939), Celle found new sporting fame, but above all reinvented itself as a tourist destination, promoting its sea, beach, and picturesque village. Tourism had already been growing rapidly since the late 19th century, and between the two world wars, the town established itself as a favorite destination for the Lombard and Piedmontese bourgeoisie, becoming a peaceful and renowned vacation spot.

What to see in Celle Ligure

Among the places of worship in Celle Ligure, the Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo stands out, with works by Piola, Fiasella, and Perin del Vaga and its charming churchyard in risseu, as well as the Oratory of the Disciplinati di San Michele, with sculptures by Maragliano, Brilla, and Navone. Also important are the Church of N.S. della Consolazione, built from a medieval convent, the Church of San Giorgio with the Oratory of San Tommaso, the hamlet chapels, and the Church of S. Maria Assunta ai Piani, which boasts works by Lucio Fontana, Luzzati, and Rossi.

Don't miss the Crocetta Promenade, with its panoramic view of the beaches, and the Pineta dei Bottini, a viewpoint overlooking the sea that can also be reached by the historic electric funicular. The village is home to the 18th-century Town Hall, the birthplace of Sixtus IV in Pecorile, and the War Memorial.

Equally noteworthy are the crenellated towers of Cornaro, the medieval fortified houses, the ruins of the windmill, and the charming Casa Forte facing the sea, once the residence of the sculptor Pietro Costa. Finally, the Giardino di Mezzalunga enriches the route with its refined landscaping.

Events that enliven Celle Ligure

Among the most heartfelt moments in the village are the solemn processions dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel in May and on the first Sunday in October, with the famous polychrome caskets of Maragliano and the crucifixes of the confraternities. In January, the Feast of St. Sebastian, patron saint of the local police, is celebrated, while in September the village is transformed into a garden with Fiori Frutta Qualità, a flower and plant exhibition sponsored by the FAI. Children are given plenty of space with Navicelle, a series of workshops and shows in June.

In spring, the Mezzaluna garden hosts Sogni d'Orto (Garden Dreams), while in December the evocative 2.5 km long illuminated nativity scene comes to life. Other important events include the Blue Flag Ceremony, the Ceramics Biennial, Buongiorno Ceramica (Good Morning Ceramics) and the educational event Un mare di lavoro (A Sea of Work). There is no shortage of summer festivals, including the blue fish festival, and international sporting events such as the Meeting Arcobaleno AtleticaEuropa.

Book your vacation in Celle Ligure and let yourself be enchanted by the rich heritage of this village!

Photo credits Stefano Vigorelli by CC0