Stella
Exploring Stella, a hidden gem in the Beigua Regional Natural Park
Stella, also known as ''Steia'' or ''Steja'' in the Ligurian language, is a scattered municipality located in the province of Savona, Liguria, which is home to approximately 2,911 inhabitants. The town is famous for being the birthplace of Sandro Pertini, the seventh President of the Italian Republic. The municipality extends into the Beigua Regional Natural Park, at an average altitude of 225 meters above sea level.
Physical Geography
The territory of Stella consists of three valleys carved by the Sansobbia, Teiro, and Riobasco streams. Sansobbia is the main river and forms a wide fertile loop that is cultivated near San Giovanni, the municipal capital and famous fraction of Stella. To the east of the municipality lies Mount Beigua, while Giovo Ligure and Bonomo to the north constitute the neighboring areas. The Garbasso, Garbetto, and Pietra dell'Arma caves are the preferred settings for hiking enthusiasts.
The landscape of Stella also features vast forested areas and water sources. The fauna of the territory consists of Acacia, oak, maritime pine, domestic pine, chestnut, beech, and hazel.
Climate
The temperature varies depending on the area of the municipality, with San Giovanni boasting a fairly windy and snowy climate, while Santa Giustina records very low temperatures and frequent frost. The temperature in Stella is on average 4-5 degrees lower than in Albisola and Savona. In spring, the sky can be cloudy due to the clouds that gather on the Ligurian Apennine ridge, while summer is characterized by north winds and the autumn season presents clear skies.
Exploring the fractions of Stella, one discovers enchanting places, such as the mill area of San Giovanni, the shrines of Santa Giustina and Santa Grida, and the church of San Martino. The landscape is ideal for walking, hiking, and mountain biking.
The culture of Stella
The culture of Stella has always been animated by local traditions, such as the San Giovanni carnival, the Santa Teresa festival, and the games without borders. The town hosts a large event every year, the Pertinian Week, in honor of Sandro Pertini.
Local gastronomy draws inspiration from Ligurian cuisine and features typical recipes, such as "cima", stewed wild boar, "focaccia col formaggio," and a variety of local sweets.
Curiosities about Stella
Stella is a town rich in traditions and curiosities. The locality boasts being the birthplace of Sandro Pertini, the seventh president of the Italian Republic. Some fractions, such as Santa Giustina, are famous for the milling tradition and marble extraction.
Furthermore, San Giovanni, one of the fractions, houses the parish theater of San Giovanni, built in 1932, which is one of the few buildings of this kind still intact in the region.
Conclusions
Stella is a historic, cultural, and scenic municipality that boasts a variety of natural and historical attractions. Its favorable location in the Beigua Regional Natural Park makes it an ideal place for hillside excursions, walks, and trekking. The climate and local cuisine are enchanting and offer an unforgettable experience for visitors.
