Rocche di Sant'Anna

Rocche di Sant'Anna is a ruined chapel perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The stone walls and arches remain exposed to the salt-laden winds and elements, bearing the marks of centuries of exposure.

The chapel was likely built in the second half of the 16th century, with first written records appearing in 1506. It underwent major repairs in the 1700s before being abandoned in 1810 when a new coastal road bypassed the old pilgrim route.

The name Sant'Anna honors Saint Anne and reflects the deep connection this place held for local pilgrims seeking spiritual comfort. People gathered here despite the exposed, windswept location, making it a site of personal religious devotion rather than grand ceremony.

The route to the ruins follows a hiking trail that begins in Sestri Levante and climbs through the surrounding landscape. The exposed location means wind and weather are constant, so sturdy footwear and protective clothing are advisable.

The inscriptions and marks carved into the stone walls tell of visitors who prayed here across the centuries. These personal traces reveal how meaningful this place was for ordinary people whose lives were tied to the sea.