Madonna della Guardia Church

In the Italian city of Alassio, on top of Mount Tirasso stands an ancient church - Madonna della Guardia, or Santissima Maria della Guardia. The church was built in 1200 on the ruins of an ancient castle that once protected the lands lying on the plains below.

The church was originally called Stella Maris, the Star of the Seas. It was built by local sailors and fishermen. The interior of the church dates back to the 18th century.

The Madonna della Guardia consists of three chapels separated by columns. In the center of the aspid stands an impressive marble statue of the Heavenly Guardian. The central vault of the nave is completely covered with frescoes by the artist Virgilio Grana.

The church of Madonna della Guardia is surrounded by a large green park, where locals and tourists like to walk.