Via Parodi

Leaving the square of the Church of San Martino, head towards Via Parodi, the main street of the village. Together with Via Maineri, it will lead you to some of Toirano’s oldest historic buildings, many of which feature slate details, a dark stone typical of western Liguria.At the entrance to the street, on your left, you’ll find Casa Durante, recognisable by its square stone façade, dating back to the 13th–14th century. But one of the most representative buildings along the caruggio, or narrow road, is the loggia of the Paraggiu, the former residence of the Bishops of Albenga. It is supported by massive columns, featuring carved heraldic coats of arms on its capitals. Just beyond, a porticoed passage leads to the Renaissance entrance of the palace, enriched by a slate lintel dated 1503, bearing the effigy of Saint Michael, the patron saint of the diocese. Via Parodi then opens onto Piazza Libertà, where you can admire the grand façade of the former D’Aste palace. One wing of the building houses the Val Varatella Ethnographic Museum, with its entrance on Via Polla. If you are curious to find out more about Toirano’s past, the museum offers a collection of tools, clothing, and objects that vividly reconstruct village life over the centuries.Continuing along Via Parodi from Piazza Libertà, you will soon encounter the Baroque Oratorio del Transito di San Giuseppe, the Oratory of the Transit of Saint Joseph, topped by an elegant slate dome.