Balestrino

Dominated by the 16th century castle of the Earls of Carretto, Balestrino, is a medieval village located 5 kms inland of Loano. Its many hills and olive groves offer gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea to the south and luscious mountains to the north. Dominated by the 16th century castle of the Earls of Carretto, Balestrino, is a medieval village located 5 kms inland of Loano.

Movements in the earth’s surface made the original village dangerous to live in. Today, like a ghost town, its ruins surround the castle. The people of the village built new homes along the main road and today Balestrino has 500 permanent inhabitants. The village, a long stretch of land, has one grocery store, a pharmacy, a post office, and three restaurants – Pastorino, Cecchin, and La Greppia.

If you are planning on viewing some of our properties in the area, Ru116, Ru132, and Ru134 take this opportunity to visit the ruins of Old Balestrino, the church of St. Andrea, and the church of St. Giorgio at the cemetery, with its 15th century frescos. Just beyond Balestrino you’ll find the chapel of Monte Croce (alt. 756m). From 1949, when Caterina Richero first saw her, the Madonna made 138 visitations ending in 1986. Religious Europeans still make yearly pilgrimages. The chapel setting is an excellent place to take in the mountain views and get away from the busy coastal atmosphere. To get there, travel the main road through Balestrino to the highest point (about 4km) where you will see a gravel way on your left. Take this directly to the chapel.