Among the many churches and sanctuaries you will find in and around Imperia, the Cathedral of Porto Maurizio, or rather the Basilica of St Maurice and Companions Martyrscertainly deserves a special mention.

Yes, it is the one that stands out at the tip of the promontory in all the typical photos of Imperia taken from above, impossible not to notice it. Start your visit to the historic centre of the Parasio.

Standing in the square, at the foot of the cathedral in all its grandeur, you will not find it hard to believe that it is the largest church in Liguria. The sharp, clean lines of the style neoclassical blend well with the magnificence of the decorations. Walking inside with your gaze upwards, you will find yourself wondering in disbelief how they managed to decorate all those high vaults and domes.

A little curiosity? The basilica was built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries with the intention of bring Porto Maurizio to the level of neighbouring Onegliawhich had already renovated its main church.
It had to be in the most up-to-date neoclassical style and follow canons of opulence and majesty, testifying to the wealth of the Maritime Republic of Genoa and Porto Maurizio.
In short, the church can be considered, if you like, a testimony to the eternal rivalry between the two cities later unified in Imperia: a 'competition' that still survives today in joking tones among us Imperiesi.