Nel viaggio alla scoperta di ghost towns, il paese di Balestrino attira l’attenzione per atmosfera sospesa nel tempo e decadente, ad un passo dalla raggiante riviera di ponente ligure.
Where Balestrino is located
Balestrino is a small town in the province of Savona with a population of just over 500. The village is counted among those known as ghost towns because, following a hydrogeological threat, in 1963 the old village of Balestrino was abandoned by the fleeing population, worried about the ground giving way. Today, an ancient sundial becomes a symbol of a time that, inexorably, flows but is no longer marked by anyone, except some hikers visiting here or diligent American TV crews, attracted by these places full of stories to tell.
The Castle of Balestrino
Overlooking the ancient village stands the Castle of Balestrino or more precisely the Castle of the Del Carretto – ancient feudal lords of the area – stubbornly clinging to the rocky front despite the presumed risk of landslide. Everything has been frozen for more than 50 years, outside and inside the ruined walls, with vegetation growing among the cobbles and alleys with a lived-in air but now sadly static and decaying.
What to see in Balestrino
Visiting Balestrino is like taking a journey through time and mystery: the well-known and suggestive location in Liguria – situated in the province of Savona – is included in the list of abandoned towns or ghost towns.
In reality, considering Balestrino as a Municipality, it is noted that about 600 people live there but what draws attention is the rest of the old village of Balestrino: this is indeed completely lifeless, empty, consisting only of dated abandoned buildings overtaken by spontaneous vegetation, as it was abandoned by the population many years ago.
The attention of those who arrive in these parts is inevitably captured by the Castle of Balestrino or Castle of the Del Carretto family, the ancient holders of Balestrino and its surroundings.
It is undoubtedly one of the attractions of Balestrino, though its visit will not be organized: the Castle was in fact abandoned by everyone about fifty years ago due to ground subsidence caused by landslides. It is therefore in a state of neglect, although it should be noted that the tower and entrances are still well preserved today.
Another important place in Balestrino is the ancient church of Sant’Andrea but it is a building that is currently not accessible and indeed is in a condition that would deserve restoration.
In fact, a plan for restoring the old village is foreseen, precisely to prevent these places from being lost.
A guide to Balestrino will also not miss an indication related to the church of San Giorgio: here there are indeed valuable frescoes dating back to the 15th century, certainly worth admiring.
In short, visiting Balestrino in its oldest part is not entirely possible, so what is advisable is to observe the complex from the outside, directly from the area of the “new Balestrino” which was built further down the valley.
