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Places of interest #1 in Albenga

Muretto di Alassio

4.4 · 9,762 reviews
Nostalgic and culturally vibrant
Muretto di Alassio, Corso Dante Alighieri, 17021 Alassio SV, Italy
Interesting facts
1

The original idea for the wall came from local painter Mario Berrino and Ernest Hemingway, who was a frequent visitor to the café.

2

The first tiles were applied to the wall in 1953 to honor the town's prestigious guests.

3

The wall features tiles from notable figures such as Louis Armstrong, Sofia Loren, and Mike Bongiorno.

4

New tiles are still added periodically to commemorate special events and distinguished visitors to Alassio.

5

The wall is centrally located near the historic Caffè Roma, where the tradition was first conceived.

6

It is considered one of the most significant symbols of the Ligurian Riviera's mid-20th-century cultural renaissance.

Overview

The Muretto di Alassio is a historic wall featuring hundreds of hand-painted ceramic tiles autographed by international celebrities and cultural icons. Located in the coastal town of Alassio, Italy, the tradition began in 1953 at the initiative of Mario Berrino and Ernest Hemingway. The wall serves as a living guestbook of the town's history as a glamorous seaside destination. Each tile represents a specific visitor, with many signatures belonging to stars of cinema, music, and literature. The wall is located in the pedestrian heart of the town, adjacent to the famous Caffè Roma. It functions as a public art installation accessible year-round without entry restrictions.

Photo spot

Directly in front of the wall, capturing the dense arrangement of signature tiles with the café in the background.

Insider tips

Visit during the early morning to photograph the tiles without crowds blocking the view.

Pair your visit with a stop at Caffè Roma nearby to experience the atmosphere that inspired the wall.

Look for the bronze statue of 'Gli Innamorati' (The Lovers) located near the wall, which is a companion piece to the artistic theme.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to touch or remove the ceramic tiles, as they are fragile and culturally protected.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
20-30 minutes
Best time to visit
Early morning or late evening in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Address
Muretto di Alassio, Corso Dante Alighieri, 17021 Alassio SV, Italy
44.007, 8.173
Get directions
Details
Key featureAutographed ceramic tiles
OriginEstablished 1953

Frequently asked

Plan for about 20-30 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late evening in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds..

Directly in front of the wall, capturing the dense arrangement of signature tiles with the café in the background.

Close by you'll find Molo di Alassio - Pontile Mario Bestoso, Parco San Rocco, Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant'Ambrogio.