There is a Baroque Basilica on La Pigna hill...

You already know La Pigna hill in Sanremo...
[otherwise, click on post's title]

... so let's go up the hill, one more time, to complete the
visit of this lovely place, crowned by the Sanctuary 'Nostra
Signora della Costa'.


Tradition says that the first church was built in 1361, the year which marked the end
of the Doria family domination over Sanremo and the autonomy of the town from
the Republic of Genoa. The present church was built in 1630 on the site of the previous
chapel.

The white and black cobblestone flooring of the church-square, extending on the
tree-lined avenue, date back to the seventeenth century, was recently renovated
and is in itself a work of art...



When one goes on the top of the hill, the eye is immediately drawn to the views of the
city, the numerous boats and the lush vegetation to be then lost far away on the skyline.

[Reflections on the sea are misleading, all panoramic pictures were taken just on arrival].


Let's step inside the church, now...


This XVII century building which has represented over the centuries a sure reference
point for seafarers approaching the city, preserves in its interior (sumptuously decorated
with marble and stucco works) a number of wooden statues by Anton Maria Maragliano,
paintings by Domenico Fiasella, Giulio Cesare Procaccini, Bartolomeo Guidobono.


In a dominating position over the high altar is the painting
known as the 'Madonna col Bambino'
attributed to Nicolò da Voltri.

[Read more on Sanremo on SanRemoGuide].





The dome frescoes, by Giacomo Boni.

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