Comune Ovada

via Torino, 69 - 15076 Ovada (AL)
Tel. +39 01438361
E-mail: segreteria@comune.ovada.al.it
http://www.comune.ovada.al.it/
https://www.visitovada.com/

The town of Ovada is on the northern side of the Ligurian Apennines; positioned at the meeting of the Rivers Orba and Stura, it is surrounded by cultivated hills and woods, which create a highly varied landscape. The architecture, cuisine and traditions are a melting pot of Piedmontese derivations and Ligurian influences. The richly painted facades of the noble buildings are a clear example of the influence of Genoa in the architecture of Ovada, as are some of the very important and deeply felt religious traditions, such as the processions of the confraternities, which parade along the narrow streets of the centre with immense Crucifixes and sculptures. The most beautiful include those preserved in the Oratory of Saint John the Baptist: the majestic Beheading of the Baptist by Maragliano and the Baptism of Jesus.
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption characterises the panorama of the town, for the height of the façade, the circular cupola and the two bell towers. The high altar was designed by Alessandro Antonelli and the canvas with the Ecstasy of Saint Theresa painted by Luca Giordano. Another place of great importance is the birth home of Saint Paul of the Cross who lived between the 16th and 17th centuries, which is visited every year by believers from all over the world. The Paleontological Museum dedicated to Giulio Maini, a naturalist from Ovada, is located in the 14th century Church of Sant’Antonio: the collections of fossils are mostly local, the most important are those of the Calappilia maini, a species of crab present only in this area.
For food and wine lovers, an essential stop-off point is the Regional Wine Shop dedicated to Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore DOCG.