Diano Arentino

Diano Arentino, quiet and peaceful rural village

Diano Arentino

Diano Arentino is located at around 330 metres above sea level, in the upper valley of the river San Pietro and includes the hamlets of Diano Borello and Evigno.
It is a peaceful and quiet village, immersed in a relaxing atmosphere which is greatly appreciated by those seeking rest and natural beauties rather than the worldliness of the Riviera.

The origin of its name is unclear. It probably derives from Latin, but it is difficult to state whether it originates from “Arentius”, the name of a Roman family of the area, or from “adhaerentem” from which the dialect phrase “a rente” i.e. near, close, derives. Diano Arentino offers visitors a succession of different and characteristic settings and views as its particular position and conformation allows viewing in one go the entire Gulf of Diano, and from the top of the Pizzo d’Evigno the majestic Maritime Alps, the sea, the plain of Albenga and the island of Gallinara may be admired, in addition to being able to count more than 40 church spires.
Estimators of civil, popular and peasant architecture will find the many variously shaped dry wall shelters scattered around the territory very interesting.
The woods vie for space with the olive groves and consist of oaks, chestnuts, hornbeam, poplars and ashes, pines and rare elms. During the Autumn porcini mushrooms may be found here, in addition to the common varieties of edible mushrooms.

Its history is very similar to that of the other towns making up the ancient Communitas Diani. The town’s main monument is the parish church which was built in Romanesque style and consecrated in 1469; it has undergone a great deal of restoration over the centuries.
It is located in an elevated position and has a majestic natural stone bell tower in the apse area crowned by three Renaissance domes.
Inside it is divided into three naves with valuable works of art such as a 17th century polyptych with enthroned Virgin and other saints and a precious painting of the Trinity dating to the same period.
The two hamlets of Diano Borello and Evigno are also very interesting.
The former has a 14th century parish church dedicated to St. Michael Archangel, which is well worth a visit.

The church is framed by a centuries-old tree and overlooks a small square with a view over the entire valley. The 15th Century entrance with a frescoed lunette leads into three naves divided by majestic and austere stone columns where many works of art may be admired, such as the 16th century polyptych by Brea.


The other hamlet of Diano Arentino is Evigno, whose 400 metres above sea level make it the highest settlement in the valley. Once again the most important monument is the parish church which displays a remarkable and well-preserved polyptych by Pancalino. Here as elsewhere, the land is given over to olive trees and vineyards, producing Taggiasca olive oil and Vermentino wine.