To the Meloria, in 1284, Diano Castello sent men and a galley. Genoa won, and in thanks granted the village the title of Magnifica; on the front of the town hall the great fresco of that battle is still there.
The place had been born around the tenth century as Castrum Diani, up on the hill, to defend itself from Saracen pirates, and in 1172 it had made itself a free commune. Then the pirates were gone, people moved down to the coast and the village emptied. The earthquake of 1887 killed thirty-two of its inhabitants. The population is 2,257.
Chiesa di San Nicola · chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta · cappella di San Giovanni Battista and 1 more
Pesto alla Genovese
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Next up: Saint Nicholas, patron of an anti-pirate town struck by an earthquake, Sunday 6 December
Nearest airport: Genova, 82 km away
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📅 Every year, on 6 December
Diano Castello celebrates Saint Nicholas on 6 December; the town, founded around the 10th century as Castrum Diani against Saracen raids, was severely struck by the 1887 earthquake, which caused 32 deaths.
Chiesa di San Nicola Diano Castello's parish church, a thirty-year site of quarrels and delays. 
chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta Restoration begun in 1986 uncovered fresco cycles across almost every wall of the church. 
cappella di San Giovanni Battista The wooden ceiling carries the twelve painted months and peasants at work in the fields. 
Palazzo comunale di Diano Castello The town hall façade carries a fresco of the Genoese victory at the battle of Meloria. Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Diano Castello, but an easy day trip away.
