Celle Ligure: Ceramics, Old Town and Sea

• Ceramics have been part of the town’s history since the 18th century.
• The Lungomare in Arte links the Borgo and Piani over more than a kilometer.
• Public artworks line the route, including a relief by Lucio Fontana.
• The train station is on the coastal line; check services for your travel date.

The town center stretches along the shore. In the caruggi, the narrow Ligurian lanes, pastel-colored houses stand beside small squares. Palazzo Ferri, now the town hall, and the Church of Nostra Signora della Consolazione give the old quarter its own focal point. Behind the former monastery, the Passeggiata Romana runs along the Crocetta ridge, following an old connecting path that offers views over the sea and rooftops.

The compact Borgo makes a good starting point for a walking tour: first explore the lanes and squares, then head down to the shore and continue toward Piani di Celle. This lets you experience historic buildings and contemporary works as parts of the same place. Access arrangements for indoor spaces differ from those for public art, so check separately with churches and other buildings.

The municipality records ceramic-making in Celle Ligure dating back to the 18th century and describes the town as an open-air gallery. A route leads from the historic center along the Lungomare in Arte to Piani di Celle. This connection is more than a decorative promenade: it shows how a local craft tradition is visible in today’s streets, without requiring a visit to a workshop.

Artworks can be found at various spots along the route and the waterfront promenade. A terracotta relief by Lucio Fontana is located at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piani di Celle. The Artisti per la matematica project runs along Lungomare Pertini, featuring 32 ceramic works that translate mathematical themes into art. The works are spread across different locations, so take time to look at them and expect the walk to take longer than the direct route between two addresses, depending on your breaks and chosen stretch.

The route can be enjoyed in stages: the old town and central squares, followed by the seaside promenade, and finally the Piani area. If you have less time, choose one section rather than walking the entire route there and back. Check separately for information on visiting the church interiors or attending events; the outdoor artworks described here are a separate matter.

Taking the walk in stages lets you connect the artworks with the changing surroundings: start in the historic lanes, continue along the waterfront promenade, and finish with the works in Piani di Celle. According to the municipality, the route is more than a kilometer long, extending beyond the immediate area of the old Borgo. For a short visit, choose one section; if you want to walk the whole route, allow time for breaks and individual stops.

Allow several hours for the Borgo, the promenade, and the waterfront artworks. A day at the beach will require additional time. The municipality describes the Lungomare as linking the old Borgo with Piani di Celle, two areas that can also be explored separately. A seaside walk alternates between the built-up town center and longer stretches along the shore; breaks in the squares help make the visit about more than simply ticking off individual artworks.

Celle station is on the coastal line between Varazze and Savona. For your specific journey, consult the timetable from railway infrastructure company Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) for your travel date; RFI’s current departures from Celle can help with planning. The town is in the Province of Savona; Varazze and Spotorno are nearby options for comparison. Accommodation in Celle Ligure can be chosen by location if you plan to enjoy the art walk and the beach on different days.