Bastia
Discovering Bastia
Bastia is a small hamlet in the municipality of Albenga, located in the province of Savona, with a population of 693 inhabitants. The village sits at an altitude of 25 meters above sea level, around 5 km from the center of Albenga, where the waters of the Arroscia river join those of the Neva and create the Centa river. Despite its small size, Bastia has a history rich in events, dating back to Roman times.
The history of Bastia
The first known name of Bastia is Valliranum, mentioned in the Statutes of Albenga in 1288. This name represented the cultivated lands already present in Roman times. Similarly to other villages in the area, the first settlement was located on a hill to protect from the waters of the Centa and for defensive reasons. Around 1288, the municipality expanded and built Ville Nove to protect the territorial borders and the access routes to the surrounding valleys.
Due to population growth, the houses of Valliranum were no longer enough and so the village developed around the hill called "U Burgu" (the Village), on which stands the ancient chapel of San Bernardo ("capella de San Benardu"). In the hamlet is the Palace of the Anfossi Family, which for a long time was considered the "bastida" founded by the municipality on July 31, 1295. However, it is more likely to have been a place of leisure for the noble Ingauna family. The area is commonly known as "paraxio". According to oral tradition, the Bastida would be the village itself and the walls of the houses overlooking Via alla Chiesa would be nothing more than the enclosing walls of the fortress.
Places to visit
If you are on vacation in Liguria, Bastia is a place worth visiting. The Chapel of San Bernardo is a site that represents the oldest part of the hamlet. According to history, San Bernardo arrived in Bastia during his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The interior of the church preserves frescoes dating back to the seventeenth century and an altar in carved wood with precious decorations. Also interesting is the Palace of the Anfossi Family, dating back to the seventeenth century. Currently, it houses an agricultural activity and represents a tourist destination.
Events and traditions
In Bastia, numerous events are organized throughout the year. One of these is the Feast of San Bernardo, which takes place on August 11. The celebration begins with a procession in which the statues of the saint and the patron saints are carried through the streets of the village. During the evening, it is possible to taste local culinary specialties, such as panigacci, focaccia and cheese. Another event to note is the Torchio Festival, which usually takes place in September. During this festival, you can witness the processing of grapes with an antique press and taste typical products such as schiaccia, wine and oil.
The cuisine of Bastia
Bastia offers visitors the opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Ligurian cuisine. Among the local culinary specialties, the panigacci stand out, a kind of crepe made of flour and milk cooked on a hot stone. They are usually accompanied by local cheeses such as prescinseua and testun di montagna. There are also focaccia, stuffed vegetables and desserts, such as almond cake and pandolce.
How to reach Bastia
Bastia is located about 70 km from Genoa airport and 100 km from Nice airport. To reach the hamlet by car, follow the signs for the SS 1 Aurelia in the direction of Albenga. Then follow the signs for Bastia until reaching the village.
In conclusion, Bastia is an ideal destination for those who want to discover authentic Liguria, with its millennial history, delicious culinary specialties and the hospitality of its inhabitants. If you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful hamlet, do not miss the chance to admire its places of interest and participate in its traditional festivities.
