Santo Stefano al Mare
Welcome to Santo Stefano al Mare!
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sea, Santo Stefano al Mare is the right place for you! With just over 2000 inhabitants, it is a quiet town located in Liguria, on the Riviera di Ponente coast. Let's discover it together!
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Santo Stefano al Mare extends along the Ligurian coast and offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. If you love outdoor walks, you can take a stroll along the promenade and admire the sea and beaches.
Climate
The climate of Santo Stefano al Mare is exceptionally mild thanks to its particular geographical location. Even during the winter, temperatures never drop below 0°C, while in summer they rarely reach 30°C. Therefore, you can enjoy the sea in every season!
History
The ancient foundation of the Roman Empire
The village of Santo Stefano al Mare has ancient origins, dating back to the foundation of the ancient "Fundus Porcianus" in the Roman Empire. Later, it became an important fief of Adelaide of Susa, called Villaregia.
The monastic foundation
In 1029, the village was confirmed to Villa Regia as a royal fief. Later, in 1049, Adelaide of Susa donated the village to the Order of Saint Benedict of the Church of Santo Stefano, which transformed it into a monastic principality together with the surrounding fiefs.
Participation in the Battle of Meloria
In 1284, Santo Stefano al Mare participated alongside the Republic of Genoa in the victorious Battle of Meloria against the naval fleet of Pisa. Later, it participated in the conquest of Cagliari in 1290.
Subjection to the rule of the Republic of Genoa
In 1353, Santo Stefano al Mare officially submitted to the rule of the Republic of Genoa, obtaining the appointment of two consuls elected by the local people. Despite the numerous invasions and raids by the Saracens, the seaside village was equipped with well-known towers for the defense and observation of the territory.
The fall of the Republic of Genoa
With the fall of the Republic of Genoa in 1797, Santo Stefano al Mare became an autonomous municipality that was included in the canton of Taggia of the Palme jurisdiction.
Annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Kingdom of Italy
In 1815, Santo Stefano al Mare was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia after the Congress of Vienna in 1814. It was included in the V mandamento of the Sanremo district of the Province of Nice (1859), then Province of Porto Maurizio and, from 1923, the Province of Imperia.
Conclusions
Santo Stefano al Mare is a place rich in history and traditions, whose cultural heritage has been nurtured over the centuries by the different peoples who have occupied the seaside village. If you love the sea and tranquility, you cannot miss this Ligurian town!
