Alassio

For the composition by Edward Elgar, see In the South (Alassio).

Alassio
Comune
Città di Alassio
Alassio from Cape Mele
Location of Alassio
Alassio Location of Alassio in Italy Alassio Alassio (Liguria)
Coordinates: 44°00′N 08°10′E
Country	Italy
Region	Liguria
Province	Savona (SV)
Frazioni	Moglio, Solva, Caso
Government
• Mayor	Enzo Canepa (since 27 May 2013) (Right wing)
Area
• Total	17 km2 (7 sq mi)
Elevation	6 m (20 ft)
Population  (31 December 2015)
• Total	10,934
• Density	640/km2 (1,700/sq mi)
Demonym	Alassino(i)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	17021
Dialing code	0182
Patron saint	St. Ambrose
Saint day	7 December
Website	Official website

Alassio is a town and comune in the province of Savona situated in the western coast of Liguria, Northern Italy, approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the French border.

Alassio is known for its natural and scenic views. The town centre is crossed by a pedestrianised cobbled road known as the Budello.

The town has sandy beaches, blue sea and many bars and restaurants on the sea front. Alassio has also a pier known as "Molo di Alassio" or "Pontile Bestoso" which offers views of the town.

Alassio is situated on the Riviera di Ponente coast, and it has a small tourist port (porticciolo) named "Luca Ferrari". It was also known as a health resort in winter and a bathing place in summer, and has many hotels.

History

The Muretto of Alassio with 550 tiles signed by celebrities.

Alassio is thought to have been founded in the 10th century, in the area of "St Anna ai Monti Church" where a family nucleus first resided, then subsequent members moved in the hilly area of "Madonna delle Grazie" which is still known with the name "Caste'". Here one of the first heraldic symbols of the town is still visible.

Control of the town was eventually taken by the monks from the island of Gallinara and later by the commune of Albenga. In 1521 a series of defensive walls was built to defend the town from Barbary pirate raids. It was subsequently a possession of the Republic of Genoa and, from the early 19th century onwards, of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

Alassio became a tourist resort in the late 19th century, thanks to the presence of British tourists.

In the early 2000's until today, Alassio gained recognition as an international nightclub destination. In August, and for several weeks leading up to and following Ferragusto, thousands of partygoers descend upon Alassio and party until 6AM at clubs like La Cappanina. The annual American Pie party draws a crowd of international jetsetters such as Alan Dakota and Tommy Tea. Many of these individuals spend their days soaking in the sun at world renowned beach club, Bagni Davide, the legendary facility of proprietor Davide, who maintains the finest beach.

Main sights

• Parish church of St. Ambrose.
• Palazzo Ferrero de Gubernatis Ventimiglia.
• Saracen Tower.
• The Muretto, a wall with 550 tiles signed by celebrities.
• English Language Library

Heritage

The English composer Edward Elgar wrote a concert-overture called In the South (Alassio) whilst staying on holiday in Alassio in the winter of 1903–04.

Alassio is featured as the location for a holiday in the 1944 film The Children Are Watching Us.

The painter Felix Nussbaum (1904–1944) stayed in Alassio in 1934 and it appears on many of his lighter paintings.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy

Twin towns – Sister cities

Alassio is twinned with:

• La Thuile, Italy (2013)

Sources

• Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Alassio" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 478.
• Kennedy, Michael (1987). Portrait of Elgar (Third ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-284017-7. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)

External links

• "Alassio" . New International Encyclopedia. 1905.