Santo Stefano d’Aveto is a place of history and culture: three different dynasties ruled here, owning the castle built by the Malaspinas, in the 13th c, and then passed onto the Fieschis and finally to the Dorias. In the Sanctuary, previously Church of Santo Stefano, you can admire the Madonna di Guadalupe (a devotional painting on copper plate), which was apparently hung to the mast of Andrea Doria’s galley. The little town is one of the few resorts in Liguria where, thanks to abundant snow, it is possible to go skiing. In summer the area offers wonderful excursions in search of ice age lakes, springs and waterfalls. Thanks to the combination of culture and nature, Santo Stefano d’Aveto has been awarded the Tourist and Environmental Quality Brand for the hinterland, the Orange Flag.