Ceriana

Access

To reach Ceriana it is advisable to use the railway network as far as Sanremo station, from where there are regular buses to Ceriana (RT Sanremo-Ceriana-Baiardo line). The nearest airports are Nice Côte d'Azur and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo, connected by shuttle services to Sanremo. Those who prefer to travel by car can take the A10 motorway, exit at Arma di Taggia - Sanremo Est, follow the Aurelia bis in the direction of Bussana and take the fork for Poggio-Ceriana. The road, scenic but winding in places, enters hills and woods until you reach the gates of the village.

Introduction

Ceriana is an ancient village located in the hinterland of Sanremo, in the province of Imperia, nestled in the Armea Valley between the mountains of western Liguria. The village is about 12 km from the sea, in a strategic position protected by Monte Ceppo and crossed by the Armea stream, which has conditioned the historical and landscape development of the area. The climate is temperate sub-Mediterranean, characterised by mild winters but with frequent frosts and light snowfall, while its eastern exposure makes it sunny only until midday in the winter months.

Description

Founded in Roman times by the Coelii family with the name of Coeliana, Ceriana has preserved over the centuries the traces of a Ligurian castelliere and later medieval fortifications, used to defend against Saracen and Barbarian attacks. The village lived through the vicissitudes of the Counts of Ventimiglia, then passed to the Mari family in 1297 and finally to the Genoese Republic in 1359, sharing its history until the arrival of Napoleon and the Savoy dynasty in the modern age.
The town's urban structure is spread over several levels, with narrow alleys, carruggi and noble palaces that bear witness to its thousand-year history. Ceriana is famous for the presence of four historical confraternities, which preserve ancient traditions linked to the rites of Holy Week. The religious heritage includes the Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the Baroque Oratory of Santa Caterina, the Oratory of the Visitation, that of Santa Marta and the Church of Sant'Andrea, with its bell tower. The monumental Palazzo dei Conti Roverizio di Roccasterone and the numerous country chapels also deserve attention.
The local culture is strongly rooted in the appreciation of traditions: processions, festivals, the choral music of the confraternities, the patron saint's festivities dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul (29 June) and typical dishes based on olive oil, chestnuts, honey and seasonal specialities. The village hosts numerous events that enliven community life, keeping alive the link with its origins.
The surrounding environment is marked by chestnut forests, olive groves and paths that lead towards Monte Bignone and the Nervia Valley, with various possibilities for excursions along ridges and ancient connecting roads. Ceriana is part of the network of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in Italy', a recognition that rewards the historical and scenic integrity of its territory.

Information

Area: 31.79 km²
Altitude: 369m
Maximum elevation: 1,238m - Monte Alpicella
 Number of inhabitants: 1.128 (datum 2024)
Name in dialect: Çeriann-a
Inhabitants' name: Cerianesi
Patron Saint: Saints Peter and Paul (29 June)
Neighbouring municipalities: Badalucco, Bajardo, Sanremo, Taggia
Website: www.comune.ceriana.im.it