Description
The white loggias of the Convent of Santa Chiara open onto the side of the Parasio hill, one of the most evocative and ancient areas of Imperia.
The tall arches overlooking the sea offer an extraordinary panorama: on clear days, you can even see the outline of Corsica in the distance. At sunset, the loggias become one of the most romantic and evocative spots in the city.
The loggia stands along the ancient walls of the old city , on which in the past there was a circular tower used to defend the town from pirate raids.
The defensive system was also connected to the bastion of the Prarola Tower , still visible today in the distance on the sea.
The Monastery of Santa Chiara was founded by the Poor Clares in 1365 and was subsequently modified during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Even today, the nuns live in seclusion within the complex. For this reason, the church, parlors, and oratory are open to visitors—the latter by request—where works of considerable artistic interest are preserved.
The loggias were designed in 1712 by Gregorio De Ferrari , a Baroque painter born in Porto Maurizio and active primarily in Genoa. At the time, it was not uncommon for painters and sculptors to also dabble in architecture.
The Poor Clares also produce a special lemon marmalade , made with fruit grown in the convent. Proceeds contribute to the conservation and renovation of the historic building.
Connected places
Access mode
Access to the interior spaces of the Monastery is limited in compliance with the cloister of the Poor Clare nuns. The church and parlors can be visited, while the oratory is accessible upon request . For special visits, it is advisable to contact the Monastery in advance.
Address
Contact points
Last update: 8 September 2026, 09:06