Balestrino is a village in the hills surrounded by olive groves in the valley of the rio Ponte, it is made up of four different centres ,Borgo being the principle one dominated by Del Carretto castle.
At one time it belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of San Pietro dei Monti, in 1901 it was passed on to Bonifacio Del Vasto and then to Del Carretto ( XII century), who maintained the investiture until the XVIII century. A beautiful example of a medieval fortress is the marquis castle which overlooks the populated area; built on strong bastions, in 1795 it was partially destroyed by the French, restored during the last century it now looks like a fortified palace . The entancecs are still well-preserved together with the porter's lodge and a large watch tower and inside furnishings dating back to the 17th/18th centuries can be seen.the old village spreads out at the foot of the castle and was abandoned in the 50s following heavy landslides.
The parish church of Sant'Andrea , now closed off as it is unstable; however some of its important furnishings( two ancient polichrome ,marble altars and a splendid pulpit , adorned by the emblems of the Del Carretto of Balestrino) are preseved in the new church built in modern style in the highest hamlet. The characteristic little church of San Giorgio, medieval in structure ,holds frescos of 1400. Today the old part has kept intact its medieval appeal, which ,for now ,can be observed externally but there is a restoration project to bring it back as near as possible to its original state. A pilgrimage destination is the Shrine of Monte Croce in memory of the apparition of Our Lady, it is about 750mts high and offers a wonderful seaview.
Between Toirano and Balestrino there is a particularily pleasant stretch of the Sentiero(path) of the Terre Alte, which, in a 90 minute walk takes you to the abandoned village of Borgo.
San Bartolomeo al Mare,Imperia 23.8KM away from Balestrino
Hotel Europa is in a quiet position, far to the main trafficated street and to the railway. It is 30 meters far to the beach and it is ideal for a relaxing holiday.
Diano Castello,Imperia 23.8KM away from Balestrino
CODICE CITRA: 008026-LT-0073 Appartamento situato a Diano Castello, in Via Dian....
Diano Marina,Imperia 23.8KM away from Balestrino
The Hotel Virginia is located in a quiet area just 50 meters from the beach and ....
Diano Marina,Imperia 23.8KM away from Balestrino
The farm is the renovation of the farmhouse of our grandparents. At the foot of....
Diano Marina,Imperia 23.9KM away from Balestrino
Welcome to Hotel Caravelle in Diano Marina, between Alassio and Sanremo, in the ....
Diano Marina,Imperia 23.9KM away from Balestrino
Appartamento TRILOCALE - 6 posti letto - con camera da letto matrimoniale, camera degli ospiti , soggiorno con divano letto e bagno.
Diano Marina,Imperia 23.9KM away from Balestrino
You couldn't ask for a better setting, the enchanting Dianese Gulf, in Diano Mar....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.0KM away from Balestrino
The lately renovated Helios hotel is located only 50 mts. from the sea in a quie....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.0KM away from Balestrino
prova
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.1KM away from Balestrino
Designed and managed directly by the owners, located right on the sea, in the ce....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.1KM away from Balestrino
'ex-Residence Hotel Internazionale, turned into apartments for rental weekly, mo....
Diano Castello,Imperia 24.2KM away from Balestrino
Appartamento privato “Loredana” con giardino e posto auto - in via Borsellin....
Diano Castello,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
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Diano Marina,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
Family Friendly Hotel Raffy is situated only 100 mts. from the sea. Its pre-o....
Borgomaro,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
Appartamento Bilocale al 1° piano, composto da soggiorno ( divano letto una pia....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
Perfecty located in the lovely town of Diano Marina, pearl of the Riviera dei Fi....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
Set at the beginning of Viale Kennedy,150 metres from the beach in Diano Marina,....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
Il Residence Hotel Mediterraneo è luogo ideale per una vacanza nel relax e nel ....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.3KM away from Balestrino
Conveniently located in favorable and quiet area, the sea only 50 meters away, t....
Diano Castello,Imperia 24.4KM away from Balestrino
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Diano Marina,Imperia 24.4KM away from Balestrino
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Diano Marina,Imperia 24.5KM away from Balestrino
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Diano Marina,Imperia 24.7KM away from Balestrino
Appartamento a 50 metri dal mare ed a pochi passi dal centro cittadino, in via C....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.7KM away from Balestrino
BILOCALE – 5 posti - appena ristrutturato mansardato con aria condizionata / ....
Diano Marina,Imperia 24.7KM away from Balestrino
CODICE CITRA 008027-LT-0847 Monolocale soppalcato - a 30 metri dal mare - in zo....