The morning was fresh and bright, the sky a clear, deep blue, promising a perfect day to explore the wonders of Albenga. The meeting point was set in front of the Cathedral of San Michele, an imposing Romanesque building that alone told centuries of history. Lucio, the guide, was a man in his forties, with a welcoming smile and an evident passion for his city. He wore a straw hat and a light-coloured shirt, perfect for the summer climate.
The group consisted of about a dozen tourists from various parts of Italy and a small group of locals curious to discover anecdotes and stories they might not have heard before. Lucio began the tour with a brief introduction to the history of Albenga, highlighting its importance as a commercial hub in ancient Rome and its evolution through the centuries.
The first stop was the Cathedral of St. Michael itself. Lucio led the group inside, where the air was cool and the silence heightened the sacredness of the place. “This cathedral,” Lucio explained, “was built in the 12th century but has undergone numerous modifications. Notice the bell tower: it is one of the few examples of a Romanesque Lombard bell tower in Liguria.” The tourists took photos while the locals nodded, impressed by the detailed explanations.
After exploring the cathedral, the group headed towards the Baptistery, which Lucio called “one of the most precious gems of early Christian architecture in Italy.” Upon entering, they admired the mosaic floor, an intricate geometric design that Lucio explained was original from the 5th century. The participants paused to observe the decorations while Lucio shared stories of baptisms and ancient rites held there.
The tour continued along the narrow streets of the historic centre, where Lucio pointed out medieval palaces and ancient towers, explaining how Albenga was one of the best-preserved cities in Liguria. “Look at those towers,” he said, pointing to the unmistakable outline against the sky, “they are the symbol of the power of the noble families who lived here.”
The walk continued until they reached the Roman Naval Museum. Here, Lucius, with an enthusiastic tone, spoke about the discovery of the wreck of a Roman ship and the amphorae that are still preserved today. “These amphorae,” he explained, “contained wine and oil destined for the entire Roman Empire. Imagine what an incredible journey!”
Finally, the visit concluded along the Centa River, near the ancient Roman baths, where Lucius talked about the city’s relationship with water, both as a resource and as a danger. “Albenga has been hit by floods multiple times, yet its people have never given up,” he emphasized, concluding with a note of pride for the resilience of his fellow citizens.
The group, enriched with new knowledge and anecdotes, dispersed with heartfelt applause for Lucio, who with passion and expertise had conveyed his love for that land rich in history and charm. The tourists returned to their hotels with a new awareness of the city, and the residents, perhaps, with renewed pride for their Albenga.
*Fairytale Liguria. Strolling with Lucio to Discover Albenga | 2024 | effe