One of the seven districts of Borgomaro, in the province of Imperia, Candeasco is a small urban area perched on a sunny slope and not particularly steep, covered by a series of ordered terraces. It is located on the left bank of the river Empire. Between the group of houses, it is possible to clearly distinguish the two towers of the local churches: the Parish Church dedicated to San Bernardino of Siena and, just behind the XVI century chapel of the Melissano and the Oratory of Our Lady of the Angels. Until last century the district was accessible only by a mule track. Along this route there is a panoramic viewpoint near to the ancient Convent of the Franciscans, where it is possible to enjoy the wonderful view over the valley. The village is famous for being the birthplace of the family Rambaldi: Giovanni Battista, Giacomo Filippo, Francesco Maria and Antonio Filippo architects active in the area of Imperia from the beginning of the XVII to the late XVIII century. Candeasco is famous for a typical local cake: "la bugia" and for the production of an extra virgin olive oil. The town seems to have been divided into sixteen villas.
The arrival of San Bernardino of Siena, inspired the locals to build a parish church and to entitle it to him. It was built in medieval times and totally renovated in the Baroque period. Of the original church remain only capitals of columns and pieces scattered in the square and streets; which enrich the district with their presence and bearing witness to an important piece of past history.
The town, linked to the river valley Maro, has shared the same historical fate and events: in the XVI century it was submitted to the Savoy, which understood the importance of the valley as a strategic junction on the roads. It was inserted in the Kingdom of Sardinia at first and in the Kingdom of Italy then.
Not to miss:
The Church dedicated to San Bernardino of Siena, medieval, but completely rebuilt in the Baroque period.
The Chapel of Melissano, dating from the XVI century, has a bas-relief depicting the Annunciation.
The Oratory of Our Lady of the Angels, fitted with an attractive porch, by Giovanni Battista Marvaldi.
The convent of the Franciscan friars from the XVII century. Today is a pilgrim shelter and a church full of artworks.