Discovering Finalborgo, the walled village overlooking the sea

Finalborgo just recently took center stage in an article by "Bell'Italia": the monthly magazine, in fact, devoted a long article to the historic town. Finalborgo, writes the reporter, "is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is fascinating with its harmonious maze of streets and squares full of life, palaces and fine churches." Finalborgo, throughout the article, reveals all its historical beauties.

The village, surrounded by medieval walls with towers and gates, alternates narrow streets, with beautiful squares, columns, and great monuments.

The 15th century and Renaissance palaces - modified during the period of the Spanish domination - Palazzo del Municipio (Town Hall), Palazzo Cavassola (which hosted Pope Pius VII), Palazzo Gallesio, Palazzo Brunengo in Piazza Aycardi, and Palazzo del Tribunale are a unique heritage.

The 17th-century baroque Basilica of San Biagio was built over the earlier medieval church (1372), preserving the apse and the octagonshaped belltower (1463) in late Gothic style.

Santa Caterina's church and the Dominican complex were built approximately in 1360, after the death of marquis Giorgio I Del Carretto, when his widow decided to build a noble church to house her husband's body. The convent was then transformed in a prison from 1863 to 1964, but its beauty has remained intact to this day.

Although a medieval village, Finalborgo is very much full of life still today, with its squares as meeting places, its shops, art, and restaurants serving the delicious local dish, handmade ravioli with borage.