Town in the province of Savona, located between Capo Mele and Capo Mimosa, at the mouth of the stream Merula, in the heart of the Riviera, Andora is at a short distance from Sanremo, Cervo and other prestigious resorts in Liguria. It Is composed of many villages and districts, each with its own characteristics and its architectural treasures. The centers are: Conn, a village of medieval structure, San Bartolomeo, Molino, Pinamar, San Giovanni, La Colla Micheri, district situated between Laigueglia and Val Merula on the Via Julia Augusta, and Rollo, which preserves a fortified mansion of the XVI century . The settlements were created around 1500 by the inhabitants of the original centre near to the Castle, which were gradually abandoned due to a series of epidemics and the attacks by pirates. Andora is a popular seaside resort with a wide sandy beach and a fully equipped marina. The local traditions propose fine wines and a selective cuisine and the opportunity to engage in sports, such as trekking, birdwatching and hiking in the hinterland in the Plains of Merula with its olive oil mills.
According to some historical sources, the town was founded by the Phoenicians in the XVIII century B.C. during their escape from Asia Minor. The Castrum Andorae, situated along the Via Julia Augusta, gave a strong impetus to the development of the settlement in the period of the Roman rule. The town was invaded by the Barbarians and the Goths and the XI century it became a possession of Boniface del Vasto, whilst in the XII century it was submitted to the rule of the family Clavesana who built a strong boundary wall with fortified towers for defense purposes and numerous churches. The town was sold in 1252 to the Republic of Genoa, and for five centuries, peace and prosperity reigned and the inhabitants dedicated their resources in the cultivation of olive trees and the building of a shipyard, which increased fishing. It was included in the department of Montenotte by Napoleon, then into the Kingdom of Sardinia at first and later in the Kingdom of Italy.
Not to miss:
The Church of Saints James and Philip in the Romanesque style, built in the late XIII century. It is composed of one major nave and two aisles with columns and pillars. Inside it hosts a famous Summer Festival of Classical Music.
The Gate tower, located adjacent to the church and dates from the mid XIII century.
The Church of St. Nicholas, located next to what remains of the castle, and features early-Romanesque elements.
The Parish of St. John the Baptist in the village of St. John dating from the XV century.
The Parish of the Holy Trinity in the village of Rollo rebuilt in the XVII century in Baroque style.
The Parish Church of St Peter in the homonymous village built in the XVIII century and features a Baroque Bell tower.
The Parish of St. Bartholomew in the village with the same name.
The Parish of St. Andrew in the village of Conna.
The Parish Church of Santa Matilde and the Pparish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Marina of Andora.
The Castle dates back to the XII century and was the home of the Marquis of Clavesana until in the second half of the XIII century it became the residence of the mayor of Genoa. Uninhabited since the XVI century, today only ruins remain.
The Bastion built by Genoa in the XI century.
The Roman bridge over the stream Merula with ten arches.
The Roman aqueduct built in the period of the Emperor Trajan.