Italy - Finale Ligure, Chiesa di Santa Maria di Finalpia

The Abbey of Santa Maria di Finalpia is an ancient centre of Catholic worship in Finale Ligure, located in the hamlet of Finalpia on the banks of the Sciusa stream. The church and the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria constitute one of the most important monastic centers in Liguria in religious and artistic terms.

The origins of the abbey date back to the 12th century, when the presence of a small chapel held by the Abbey of San Quintino di Spigno in the area is mentioned. The current monastery building is dating back to the 16th century. The church was erected only between 1724 and 1728, based on a design by Girolamo Veneziano.

The church has an interesting façade in Baroque style with stuccoes, columns and round windows. The importance of the medieval church is testified by the majestic bell tower. The interior is embellished with numerous works of art of a classical religious nature, dating back to the 14th-20th centuries.