Discovering the true beauty of a land often means venturing into its lesser-known corners\u2014places where history whispers through cobblestones and arches. That\u2019s why, in this article, we take you to Zuccarello<\/strong>, a captivating village tucked away in the hinterland of Albenga.<\/p>\n Just like Verezzi<\/strong> and Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena<\/strong>, Zuccarello holds its place among the Borghi pi\u00f9 Belli d\u2019Italia<\/em>\u2014a shining example of a territory still untouched by mass tourism.<\/p>\n Only 19 km from Alassio, a short 15-minute drive brings you to this fortified gem founded in 1248<\/strong>, watched over by the proud remains of the Del Carretto castle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The journey begins at the Sottana Gate<\/em>, flanked by medieval towers, leading into the village\u2019s heart via an arcade-lined main street.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Just beyond the gate, a late medieval bridge spans the Neva creek<\/strong>, for which the valley is named. Zuccarello\u2019s layout remains faithfully medieval, revealing a winding network of caruggi<\/em>\u2014narrow alleyways steeped in centuries-old charm.<\/p>\n Strategically built along the ancient salt route<\/strong>, the village grew as a commercial hub. Many of its porticoed doorways are framed with remnants of historic shopfronts<\/strong>, their stone shelves once used to display goods. Some still operate with these curious and charming features intact.<\/p>\n Documented in 1321<\/strong>, but likely older, this church is adorned with 15th\u201319th century frescoes and two standout works:<\/p>\n Rebuilt in the 17th century, its vaulted ceiling hosts a splendid oval of the Virgin<\/strong>, surrounded by angels and clouds. Also preserved here: a 15th-century crucifix<\/strong> and baroque-era paintings.<\/p>\n Once a refuge for wayfarers, this church\u2014known as the eremierio<\/em>\u2014stood just outside the village walls, welcoming travelers as they awaited entry.<\/p>\n Two major events mark the seasonal rhythm of Zuccarello:<\/p>\n From Zuccarello to Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena<\/strong><\/p>\n Set off on Sentiero di Ilaria<\/strong>, a scenic path that leads from Via del Castello to Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena<\/strong>. Just past the village gate, you\u2019re greeted by a bronze statue of Ilaria Del Carretto<\/strong>, sculpted by Flavio Furlano<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stroll under medieval arcades, spot the fustigation column<\/strong>, and take a short detour to the ruins of Zuccarello Castle<\/strong>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n As you leave the ruins behind, a cobbled trail weaves through olive and chestnut terraces. A quaint chapel appears along the way, and an hour later, the timeless silhouette of Castelvecchio emerges.<\/p>\n Circling its castle like an embrace, Castelvecchio is the first and most beautiful walled village of the Neva Valley. Built in the 11th century by the Clavesana family<\/strong>, the castle defended a vital salt route and held firm against powerful foes like Genoa and Savoy.<\/p>\n Today, stone houses with terracotta roofs<\/strong>, tufa portals<\/strong>, and arched attics<\/strong> tell the story of life steeped in tradition. Ovens protrude from house walls where communal bread was once baked. And white window frames evoke Alpine\u2013Proven\u00e7al motifs.<\/p>\n Among the fortress houses\u2014some built with earthquake-proof arches\u2014stands the one where Bj\u00f6rn Afzelius<\/strong> once wrote his songs, a quiet tribute to music, memory, and place.<\/p>\n Don’t miss the Church of the Assumption<\/strong>, with its baroque renovations and Gothic bell tower, or the Oratory of the Disciplinants<\/strong>, overlooking Tower Square<\/em>. From the road to the cemetery, you reach the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie<\/strong>, nestled on a hilltop with breathtaking views.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n In 1403, Ilaria Del Carretto<\/strong>, daughter of the Marquis of Zuccarello, married Paolo Guinigi<\/strong>, lord of Lucca. Tragically, she died in childbirth at just 26.<\/p>\n Yet her legacy endures: immortalized in marble by Jacopo della Quercia<\/strong>, her sculpted sarcophagus in Lucca\u2019s Cathedral of San Martino captivated poets like Pasolini, Quasimodo, and D\u2019Annunzio<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Princesses who die young always linger in memory.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve traced the footsteps of Ilaria, the stories carved in stone and sung in silence.<\/p>\n Now it\u2019s yours to experience: \u2192 Walk where she walked<\/strong> \u2192 Breathe her mountain air<\/strong> \u2192 Feel the echo of centuries<\/strong><\/p>\n Go to Zuccarello. Let yourself be enchanted.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Paths, alleys and arcades from Ilaria del Carretto to the present day<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1746],"tags":[2486,2485,2487],"class_list":["post-20423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-magazine-en","tag-castelvecchio-di-rocca-barbena-en","tag-villages-of-liguria","tag-zuccarello-en"],"yoast_head":"\nA GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY<\/h2>\n
PLACES YOU SHOULDN\u2019T MISS<\/h2>\n
Parish Church of St Bartholomew<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Oratory of S. Maria Nascente<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Church of Our Lady of the Snows<\/strong><\/h3>\n
EVENTS THAT BRING THE VILLAGE TO LIFE<\/h2>\n
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WALKING FROM CASTLE TO CASTLE<\/h2>\n
CASTELVECCHIO: A VILLAGE SUSPENDED IN TIME<\/h2>\n
GOSSIP FROM THE PAST: ILARIA\u2019S LEGACY<\/h2>\n
YOUR TURN TO DISCOVER<\/h2>\n