Madonna della Guardia trail

This trail will take you to the highest viewpoint over Alassio, the Madonna della Guardia sanctuary which has watched over the town since 1200. 

The route, which is very steep in places and flat in others, makes its way on up to the summit of Monte Tirasso (587 m), where the sanctuary stands and through the beautiful village of Moglio.

The Sanctuary was built on the ruins of a fortress belonging to Albenga, Castrum Tiraculi, where in the 12th-13th century Benedictine Monks built a small church dedicated to the Star of the Sea, protector of mariners. The castle was demolished in 1427 and a couple of hundred years later the Stella del Mare church gave way to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Guardia which still retains the lower part of the church’s old apse.

Inside the sanctuary there are three naves supported by pillars, whilst the apse contains a white Carrara marble statue of the Madonna and other works and frescoes by 19th and 20th century artists. It all adds up to a place of worship which is very artistically and culturally important, as well as being a stunning viewpoint.

The view from up here ranges from Capo Mele to La Cappelletta on the coastal side, and over the Lerrone valley on the inland side. When you make it to the top, take some time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this place and, naturally, relax!