ADELASIA E ALERAMO: THE LEGEND

Adelasia and Aleramo:
The Legend Behind the Founding of Alassio

Forget the usual fairy tales filled with wolves and witches. The story of Alassio is rooted in a legend of love, courage, and freedom.
According to tradition, this Ligurian town was born from a forbidden romance between Aleramo, a young nobleman fallen from grace, and Adelasia, daughter of Emperor Otto I.

A Love Born at the Imperial Court

Orphaned as a child, Aleramo was adopted by a noble family in Piedmont. He grew up strong, kind-hearted, and strikingly handsome. The emperor took notice and appointed him as cupbearer at court. There, Adelasia—his favorite daughter—fell deeply in love with him. But their love was not welcomed by the imperial throne.

Escape to the Ligurian Mountains

To escape Otto’s wrath, the lovers fled and found refuge in the Ligurian mountains. They lived as charcoal burners, far from the luxury of court life, but bound by a sincere and enduring love. When Aleramo’s true identity was revealed, the emperor surprised everyone by forgiving his daughter and accepting her choice.

The Birth of the Aleramic March and Monferrato

Aleramo was granted land to govern, giving rise to the Aleramic March. Legend has it that while tracing the borders of his new territory, his horse lost a shoe—an event that inspired the name “Monferrato.”

Alassio: A Tribute to Love

Eventually, the couple settled by the sea. To honor Adelasia, Aleramo founded the town of Alaxia, which later became Alassio. A city born from bold love, destined to become a symbol of romance.

Alassio, the City of Lovers

Today, Alassio is known as the city of lovers. Its heart beats around the famous Muretto, where thousands of couples have met, made promises, and celebrated their love. The statue of the “Lovers” by Eros Pellini stands as its emblem. Legend says that touching the girl’s left foot brings good luck in love.

Alassio is more than a destination—it’s a tribute to eternal love, born in its alleys and on its beaches, where the legend of Adelasia and Aleramo still lives on.