Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio
Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio
4.5
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Read more
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
236 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
80
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1

Jackie S
Argyll, Scotland227 contributions
Jun 2019
This tiny church on the rocks of the Mediterranean shore at Bordighera dates back to the 5th century when Saint Ampelio came to this coastline, an anchorite monk seeking solitary peace. The current church has its origins in the Romanesque period of the 11th-12th century, its ancient walls now embellished with 15thc. and later rebuilding. You can see some of the ancient stones through conveniently placed glass windows in the floor.

As a small but significant historical site, this little place of worship enshrines the original purpose of Sant' Ampelio, now the patron saint of Bordighera. It is perfectly peaceful, a chapel in which to place your prayers and supplications, to sit and listen to the roar of the sea outside but meditate on the peace inside. The simple Mass on Sundays celebrates the continuing practice of prayer - 1500 years of prayer - and worship. In today's world, this simple and unadorned church creates a place of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the seaside resort outside. All credit to Bordighera for retaining serenity in this simple but beautiful church with a centuries old tradition.
Written April 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alessandro F
Milan, Italy26,173 contributions
Jul 2019
According to legend, Sant'Ampelio, who was a hermit, lived and died in 428 on this rocky spur.
The first church was built in Romanesque style in medieval times, in the fifteenth and seventeenth century it was enlarged, of that period is the wooden statue of the saint present on the altar.
Very small and simple church, upon entering the floor there are glass plates beyond which you can see the ancient walls of the previous church.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Barbara
Paternoster, South Africa242 contributions
Oct 2019
What a wonderful surprise walking into this beautifully restored little church hanging onto the cliffs of the seaside town of Bordigheda. Not only is it beautifully restored, respecting the natural stone it was originally built with but what came as a complete surprise was the modern elements, such as the pulpit and cross, that were brought into it. Well worth a visit.
Written October 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

darbysam
Liverpool, UK11 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
small but attractive. Theres not much to look at. I really can't think of anything else to say ......
Written June 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maria_del_Mar_I
Alicante, Spain117 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Nice small church located in the coast of Bordighera. Nice views of the Costa Azurra. I love to walk by when I'm in Bordighera.
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paola P
Nice, France24 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Small chapel on the seaside, almost on the rocks,where you can say a prayer,being far away from the crowd. You will hear only the
waves breaking on the rocks and your heart beating. It is a special place where you feel at ease,between sky and sea
Written February 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Judybookdoc
Santa Cruz, CA429 contributions
Oct 2015
This is perhaps the most intimate church I have ever entered and it felt spiritual in the quiet with the crashing sea just outside! When one considers that it was begun by Romans in the 4th century, one understands the paucity of windows and the smallness of the entire structure. Not to be deterred, this would make for a terrific small wedding, I imagine. Inside there are glass covered floor panels revealing underneath Roman stones and steps which previously held the church up. The parking is easy and the visit can be done in 5 minutes yet it lasts for days in my heart!
Written October 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jackie S
Argyll, Scotland227 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
This ancient church, dating back to the 4th century, medieval foundations visible through glass floor panels, Romanesque architecture extant in the restored walls, is a tiny chapel right on the rocks by the sea. One can only imagine the history that has happened to this place. It has an other-worldly atmosphere and sitting in the nave, the contemporary seaside resort amenities outside fade away, and whispers down the centuries are just beyond one's hearing.

It is always delightful to come across these unexpected atmospheric places and Sant'Ampiello was a delight.
Written September 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alanea K
much travelled Canadian181 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
We did not go inside as the church was closed but from the confetti it must be a popular wedding chapel.
Written September 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Beverley73
Monte Castello di Vibio, Italy169 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
This is a really lovely church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Bordighera with a rich history. Beautifully restored. The setting is gorgeous- high above the sea with fabulous views over the marina and out to sea - but easily accessible. In the 3 weeks we’ve been here we have visited 3 times - so pleased to find a quiet place of contemplation during Lent. This is a must see.
Written March 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 16
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio, Bordighera

Frequently Asked Questions about Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio


Restaurants near Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio: View all restaurants near Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio on Tripadvisor

Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio Information

Excellent Reviews

144

Very Good Reviews

80

Chiesa di Sant'Ampelio Photos

167