Continuing our journey, we arrive in Piazza San Michele , on the corner of Via Cavour. Here stands the Torre Peloso Cepolla , one of Albenga's most iconic and recognizable buildings, often depicted in historic cityscapes.
The tower takes its name from a network of noble families. It originally belonged to Vittoria Cepolla Lengueglia , a descendant of the Cepolla and Lengueglia families, united in the 17th century through marriage. Only in 1661, with Vittoria's union with Gio. Antonio Peloso , did the Peloso Cepolla branch emerge, which died out in 1880.
In 1947, Dr. Agostino Nicolari bequeathed the tower to the Municipality of Albenga. Restoration work began in 1958, partially restoring the structure's medieval appearance.
Today, the tower displays an interesting mix of styles: medieval and baroque elements coexist harmoniously , testifying to the various phases of its long history.
At the base, made of large blocks of Pogli stone, stands the original entrance portal. Numerous false windows can be seen throughout the structure, one of which—on the west side—is decorated with a painting depicting a curtain and a lady . Above the portal is another false window, with a painted grille , which visually breaks through the stonework.
The building temporarily interrupts the structure of the tower, which however resumes above the cornice with exposed brickwork .
Going up to the second floor, we find a 16th-century portal in Finale stone, with the Cipolla family coat of arms in the center. An opening higher up—of uncertain date—allows access to the upper floors.
In the 17th century, the tower was converted into a residential building, and still today houses the offices of the Ingauna Section of the International Institute of Ligurian Studies . In the upper section, attics and wooden stairs lead to the summit terrace.
The current parapet covered the original Guelph battlements , still partially visible. Based on its construction features, the tower dates back to the late 13th or early 14th century.
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