Sassello

Access

The municipality can be reached by car along the Sassello provincial road 334, which links it to Varazze and Albisola, and northwards to Ponzone and Acqui Terme. The Genoa-Ventimiglia motorway is accessible from the Albisola or Celle Ligure exits, about 25-30 km away. The nearest airport is Genova Cristoforo Colombo, from where one can continue by car or bus along the internal roads of the Savona Apennines. There are no direct rail links, but regional AMT and TPL Liguria bus lines connect Sassello to the main coastal towns.

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Introduction

Sassello is a municipality located in the hinterland of the province of Savona, in Liguria, on the western edge of the Beigua Regional Natural Park, an area recognised as a UNESCO Geopark for its geological and naturalistic richness. It stands at an altitude of about 385 metres, in a green valley crossed by the Erro stream, surrounded by extensive beech and chestnut forests that characterise the inland Ligurian Apennine landscape. The village is one of the natural gateways between Liguria and Piedmont, a historic point of passage along the ancient transit routes between the coast and the plains of the interior.

Description

The historic centre of Sassello retains a typically medieval layout, with paved alleyways, stone houses and the remains of the ancient town walls. The town's origins date back to the early Middle Ages: the territory first belonged to the Marquises del Carretto and then, in the 12th century, to the Del Bosco family, before entering the orbit of the Republic of Genoa. Between the 16th and 17th centuries Sassello experienced considerable prosperity thanks to the ceramics industry, which exported artefacts throughout Liguria and lower Piedmont. Evidence of this period remains in the Perrando Museum, which houses ceramics, wrought iron and local historical documents. The parish church of the Holy Trinity, rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries, also preserves valuable works of art and an imposing bell tower that dominates the slate roofs of the village.
Sassello's economic vocation today is mainly linked to food craftsmanship, in particular the production of the famous amaretti biscuits, which were born here in the second half of the 19th century and have become a symbol of Ligurian confectionery excellence. In addition to the confectionery industry, the area thrives on nature tourism, animal husbandry and woodworking, supported by an environmental context of particular ecological value. The numerous agritourism farms and small productions of honey, cheese and chestnuts help to keep the rural tradition of the place alive.
Sassello is also an important starting point for hikers and mountain bikers. Several signposted Beigua Park trails branch off from the locality, some of which reach panoramic peaks such as Monte Ermetta (1,267 m) and Monte Beigua (1,287 m), from which one can admire, on clear days, the Alpine arc and the Ligurian Sea. The surrounding forests offer remarkable botanical and faunal variety: the most common species include fallow deer, roe deer and birds of prey such as the short-toed eagle and honey buzzard. The area is also rich in spring waters and small streams, and the remains of ancient mills and stone bridges can still be recognised along the valleys.
Local traditions are expressed in the patron saints' festivals and in the numerous festivals dedicated to local products. The patron saint, St John the Baptist, is celebrated every year in June with processions, markets and popular shows. In autumn, the town comes alive for the 'Festa della Castagna', which attracts visitors from all over the region. The typical cuisine reflects the meeting of Ligurian and Piedmontese cultures, with dishes such as borage ravioli, stuffed guinea fowl, vegetable pies and, of course, almond and chestnut desserts.

Technical data

Information

Area: 100.5 km²
Altitude: 385 m a.s.l.
Maximum elevation: Monte Beigua, 1,287 m
Number of inhabitants: about 1.800 (2024)
Name in dialect: Saxe
Inhabitants' name: Sassellesi
Patron Saint: St John the Baptist (24 June)
Neighbouring municipalities: Ponzone, Mioglia, Urbe, Stella, Albisola Superiore, Cairo Montenotte
Official site: www.comune.sassello.sv.it