This is one of the most characteristic squares among the many adorning the historic town centres of western Liguria.
The “Rivolte di San Sebastiano” (winding, stepped alleyways) connect the area with porte di S. Stefano (St. Stephen’s gates). The old civic or municipal palace, with its arcade, was home to the Podestà, the governor sent by Genoa, the town council and finally even the oratory of San Sebastiano.
In front, there is the Gentile-Spinola palace, a rich and luxurious residence, with an open gallery to the rear and interiors adorned with renaissance and 17th century murals and with precious furnishings.