Going down the suggestive narrow streets, chromatically reminiscent of the Ligurian “carrugi”, of Ovada’s historical center, one reaches a large stone staircase that leads to the Oratorio della SS. (Santissima – Very Holy) Trinita. Built on the ruins of an ancient pre-Roman cemetery chapel, the Oratorio (Oratory) deserves a visit for its wooden processional ensemble depicting the Decollazione di San Giovanni Battista (Decollation of Saint John the Baptist), the work of Anton Maria Maragliano. This very valuable sculptural work is an important testament to Ligurian-Genovese Baroque and is considered among the finest works by this sculptor. The expressiveness of the various figures, the refinement of the execution, the accuracy of the draping, and the detail in the finishing touches make this an almost unique exemplar. A procession takes place every year in Ovada, on the 24th of June, with the participation of a good part of the citizens who carry the wood sculptural ensemble on their shoulders through the Borgo Vecchio.
