Ex Convento dell'Annunziata

The former Convent of the Annunziata stands at the seaward end of Sestri Levante's peninsula. Founded as a Dominican house in 1469, it later became the Colonia Tagliaferro seaside colony before restoration for municipal cultural use.

Why it matters

The complex brings together three distinct chapters of local history: religious life, seaside welfare for children and the reuse of historic buildings for civic culture. Its maritime setting connects those changes without making the later functions part of the original convent's purpose.

What to notice

Surviving parts of the church include the apse and cross vaults. A fresco of Saint Peter Martyr has been attributed variously to Domenico Fiasella and Valerio Castello. Remains of the cloister, stucco and painted decoration preserve further traces of the religious complex. Terraces and garden space establish a close relationship with the water on either side of the peninsula.

Context and history

Dominicans from Santa Maria di Castello in Genoa founded the convent in 1469; it gained autonomy in 1497. The order was expelled in 1797, and an inventory of the following year described the furnished church. The Colonia Tagliaferro occupied the complex from 1867 to 1982. Municipal acquisition in 1995 was followed by restoration directed by Carlo Berio and adaptation for cultural activities.