Rocche di Sant'Anna, Catholic church ruins on coastal hilltop in Sestri Levante, Italy

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 1516 document records that the chapel was built with alms collected during daily Mass by women of the Musso, Oxio and Morinello families. In 1647 the Senate of the Republic of Genoa authorised a public fair there lasting nine days. Between late 2024 and spring 2025 the walls were consolidated with glass-fibre reinforced repointing and corten steel portals.