Garlenda

Welcome to Garlénda: a historical village

Hello everyone! Today we are talking about a beautiful Ligurian village: Garlénda. With its 1360 inhabitants, Garlénda is located in the province of Savona, in the Lerrone valley. This small town was founded in the Middle Ages and has a rich history that makes it very interesting to visit. Let's discover its main features together!

The geography of Garlénda

Garlénda is located in a privileged position: the Lerrone valley, almost at the confluence with the Arroscia stream. This location makes it very close to the sea, reachable in a few kilometers, and at the same time surrounded by green and suggestive mountains. The territory of Garlénda is characterized by lush nature, which offers various opportunities for hiking and excursions lovers.

Garlenda: discover the beauty of the Ligurian village.

The history of Garlénda

Garlénda has a very ancient history, which can be traced back to the Early Middle Ages. Initially, it was part of the city of Albenga, but in 1091 it passed under the control of the Clavesana family. However, the city of Albenga soon became autonomous, thanks to its strategic position in the market and maritime trade. Over time, Garlénda became an important center for collecting tithes from the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, thanks to the action of Anselmo dei Quaranta, the founder of the Della Lengueglia family. In 1182, the city was officially invested by the Republic of Genoa as a fiefdom of Anselmo, who became lord of Garlénda and the nearby Lingueglietta.

Over the centuries, Garlénda was dominated by various noble families, including the Maremo and the Garlenda. In 1753, the city became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, until it became part of the Italian Republic after the Unification of Italy.

What to see in Garlénda

Garlénda is a very characteristic and suggestive town, which offers many opportunities for travelers. One of its main monuments is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, located in the historic center of the city. This Baroque church is very beautiful, with its stucco decorations and colorful frescoes.

Another attraction not to be missed is the Castle of the Clavesana, an imposing medieval fortress that dominates the city from above. The castle has been recently restored and can be visited on some special occasions, such as during the Porchetta Fair.

Finally, in Garlénda there are numerous festivals and fairs that allow visitors to discover the local culture and traditions. The Porchetta Fair, for example, is one of the most important in the Ligurian territory and offers the opportunity to taste the famous porchetta of Garlénda, a typical product of the highest quality.

What to eat in Garlénda

Speaking of typical products, in Garlénda one cannot but speak of one of the most famous specialties of the entire Liguria: focaccia. Garlénda's focaccia is considered one of the best in the region, thanks to its soft dough and its seasoning of oil and rosemary. Furthermore, as we have mentioned, in Garlénda a high-quality porchetta is produced, which is used as the main ingredient in numerous dishes of the local tradition.

But that's not all! Garlénda also offers high-quality sweet products, such as pandolce, almond cake and the famous Sardinian biscuits.

Conclusions

Here is Garlénda, a village worth visiting to discover the beauty of Liguria and its millennial culture. With its privileged position, its ancient history and its typical products of the highest quality, Garlénda is an ideal destination for all those who want to experience an authentic and unforgettable experience. Are you ready to leave?

Laura De Luca
Wrote by Laura De Luca
Updated Tuesday, May 31, 2022