Content - Localita - Teletrasporto - En http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/Service/Rss/RssFeed.ashx?moduleid=module1184 http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Airole, to the extreme west in the Val Roja, is an enticing medieval village. After various events, it remained under the dominion of Ventimiglia until the end of the 18th century. Built in a strategic point, at the crossroads of the roadways arriving from Val Nervia and the lower Val Bévera with the Val Roja. The layout of the village is elliptical and has a characteristic structure of concentric circles around its most ancient nucleus. The entire village, with its narrow streets, landscapes, houses is a jewel under the sun. The central piazza is charming and from here the narrow streets, called carruggi in the local dialect, depart and as you walk down them you can come across typical restaurants set in historical buildings. The parish church of Saints Phillip and James was built in medieval times and both the church and bell tower were rebuilt during the Baroque period. A little ways outside of the village, there is the sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace where there is an ancient wooden statue of the Madonna that is worth visiting. There is an historical arched bridge over the Roja River in the hamlet of Collabassa. There are also three guard towers in this area. The main industry of the area has always been olive tree farming and olive oil production. A particular attraction of the area is the recreation of an ancient 16th century vineyard, 600 meters above sea level, right above the village extending for 100,000 square meters. The traditional dry stone walls were also rebuilt using the methods of the 16th century. The author Mario Soldati describes the wild charm of the territory (in ‘Regione Regina’, published by Laterza in1987) saying: “The Roja valley! On the Cuneo – Ventimiglia road from Col di Tenda to the sea. Not once have I gone down this road without admiring, amazed, the extreme beauty and exceptional uniqueness of the Roja valley. It’s a canyon, but what a canyon! It has nothing to envy New Mexico or Arizona! The depth... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=62b0ad36-c2fa-470a-8653-7f8a33c6319c&pageid=page1 Apricale, in the Val Nervia, set among vineyards, olive groves and woods, is a scenic stone village which still conserves its picturesque beauty, with its stepped narrow streets, covered walkways, ancient walls, three pointed arch gates (from the 13th century) and a castle. Its aspect is typically medieval and the houses are in a semicircle around a fortress. Its origins are lost in time and probably go back to the Bronze Age. Primitive burial mounds have been found in a near village (Pian del Re). The village, officially founded in the 10th century, boasts the most ancient statutes of the Liguria Region, dated around 1267 and kept at the Doria Castle, which has been renamed “The Lizard Castle” and it is the home of various permanent exhibits (there is also an interesting Museum of the History of Apricale). There are many historical-artistic attractions: the parish of the Nativity of Our Lady, an example of Baroque architecture, which goes back to medieval times: the façade was remodeled in 1935 while the bell tower was made from an ancient tower of the Lizard Castle. There has been a bicycle, on the top of the bell tower, since the year 2000, a permanent installation by the artist Sergio Bianco titled “The force of non –gravity”. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is also beautiful with its porticos and ancient houses. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is also beautiful with its porticos and ancient houses. During the summer, the travelling actors of the Teatro della Tosse of Genoa put on shows in the narrow streets of the village dressed in period costumes. In September there is the festival of the pansarola (a sort of donut fried in extra-virgin olive oil and served with cream, a typical sweet of Apricale) with singing and dancing. There are two curious facts: the torrent passing through Apricale is called “Merdanzo” because of its bad smell when hemp was cultivated in the area. It is also mentioned by Italo Calvino in his novel The Baron in the Trees. A scene... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=361d0428-80aa-46ba-bbfa-7163d549ae7b&pageid=page1  The village of Aquila d’Arroscia is found at 495 meters above sea level, set in a uniquely beautiful natural landscape. During the Middle Ages it was first a feud of the Marquises Clavesana and then passed under the control of the Republic of Genoa. The village is on the ancient road going towards Val Pennavàira and the Piedmont region. The ruins of an ancient castle can be seen above the residential center, in a strategic position. The castle is dated the 11th century and a part of the walls and the polygonal tower can still be admired. There is a precious small museum in the village, the Archeological Workshop, presenting proof of the ancient activities which developed in the area, such as sheep breeding and hunting. The parish church of Saint Reparata (17th century) is also interesting with its Baroque façade built in 1725. Just outside the village, there is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snow (also known as Our Lady of the Mountain), situated 1170 meters above sea level.  The Aquila d’Arroscia territory is full of olive groves and vineyards and extra virgin olive oil and excellent wines, such as Pigato and Ormeasco, are produced here.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=39f4bcbb-5026-4893-a2c7-a74b8d05d6b7&pageid=page1 Arma di Taggia is on the sea. Taggia is situated about three kilometers inland but the two villages belong to the same township. Art, history, carrugi, narrow streets, and medieval squares can be seen in Taggia, but if you’re looking for the sea and a warm sun even in winter, then Arma is the place to go. There are beach resorts, sports arenas, nightclubs, ice-cream shops and restaurants along Via Lungomare. The beaches are wide and sandy with few rocks, a rarity in the extreme west of Liguria. There are also numerous hotels here.  However, Arma also has a remote past: the grotto which gave its name to the village is found at  Lungomare di Ponente (the west coastal area) and it was a refuge for prehistoric animals and humans, as demonstrated by the Paleolithic remains found here. The back of the grotto faces the sea and hosts a quaint church dedicated to the Annunciation. A Fortress erected to defend the area in 1565 is near here on a hill.  A bike trail has recently been built in Arma di Taggia and visitors can rent bikes in the village center. A must stop if you go on the bike trail is the view of Valle Argentina from the former railway bridge. On clear days you can see the tops of the Maritime Alps and sometimes even the profile of the island of Corsica.    http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=906517e4-e0be-4821-a300-ceb295ecff32&pageid=page1  Armo is a small, nice, ancient medieval village surrounded by trees, olive groves and vineyards. It is excellently situated at 578 meters above sea level at the head of the valley of the Arogna torrent, an affluent of the Arroscia. It was a feud of the marquises Clavesana which then passed under the Republic of Genoa in 1386.  The parish church of the Nativity of Mary (dated 16th century) is among the historical-artistic treasures to see. The main activities are agriculture and sheep breeding and extra-virgin olive oil and excellent wine (Ormeasco) are produced here.  http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=def7f444-54bf-440c-bd27-195d1fdbe381&pageid=page1  Aurigo, in the Impero valley, is a typical hillside village surrounded by a beautiful landscape full of olive groves and woodlands. Just like Apricale (in Val Nervia), Aurigo also received its name from the Latin term apricus which means “facing the sun”. The history of the villages goes back to medieval times when it was a feud of the Counts of Ventimiglia. There is still a part of the ancient medieval castle (12th century), near the De Gubernatis palazzo (still inhabited), built in the 16th century. Aurigo became a part of the Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy estates in 1575. There is a beautiful Baroque parish church built by Giacomo Filippo Marvaldi in 1700. The Sanctuary of Saint Paul (16th – 17th century) is also worth visiting and it is not far from the residential center. The main activity of the village is olive farming though there are also vineyards in the nearby hamlet of Aurighi.  http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=104e9a19-ac26-4f2a-ab2d-39f951b7f239&pageid=page1 Badalucco is inland Taggia, in the Argentina valley, along the Argentina torrent. It is the first village you come across after Taggia and has a particular charm: some stone houses face the right bank of the Argentina torrent while the village itself is clinging to the hill on the opposite side of the road. Old mills and presses with the mechanisms needed to grind olives for the production of olive oil are still found in the area, reminding us that this is one of the most important olive oil cultivation and production areas of the entire west Liguria. The long history of Badalucco is tied first to the Counts of Ventimiglia and then to the Republic of Genoa, which conquered it during the second half of the 13th century. In 1700 it was also occupied by the Austrian army. There are many architectonical and artistic attractions such as the Church of Saint Nicolò, built in the 17th century upon the remains of a castle belonging to the Ventimiglia counts, on a hill at the top of the village and the Saint Lucia bridge, with two arches, built in the 16th century. The beautiful parish church, the Church of Saints Mary Assumption and George, is elliptical in shape and Baroque in style. There is Palazzo Boeri in front of the church with its lovely façade and loggia over the ledge, built in the 16th – 17th century. During these last few years, the ancient village of Badalucco has done a lot to change its aspect and attract visitors. Some of the rooms of the Municipal building have been remodeled and are now the home of permanent exhibits. But actually the village is an open-air museum with murals and ceramic works of art placed on rocks or on the stuccos of the medieval homes for everyone to see. Almost every single narrow street has a work of art to discover. There are two itineraries for those who enjoy walking: the first, west of the village, is a mule track which takes to Mount Carmo and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snow, in a beautiful pa... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=0c1f6b66-2ee6-4513-8b6e-9a9c3de7da51&pageid=page1 From Sanremo we go to San Romolo and at 900 meters above sea level, here is Baiardo. The history of the village goes way back in time: it exists already in the 1st millennium BC when it was a place of worship for the Druids, the Celtic priests. In the Middle Ages it was a feud of Oberto of Ventimiglia and it was then sold to the Republic of Genoa by the Clavesanas. The village is set in a mountainous landscape, where the chestnut woodlands leave the way for the pine trees. At the top of the village, on the mount where the Celts used to gather for their religious rites, there are the ruins of the church of Saint Nicolò. The center was destroyed by the earthquake which hit on Ash Wednesday in 1887. More than 200 people who had gathered to pray died when the roof caved in. The fortress around the church has been abandoned and the population moved to the lower part of the village. The ruins of a medieval castle are near the church. Baiardo is really a magical place. The view enjoyed from the top of the “Terrazza sulle Alpi” (Terrace on the Alps) is one of the most picturesque there is: to the north we can see the tops of the Liguria Alps and to the south, on clear days, the coast all the way to France. There is the “Boat Festival” among the events worth mentioning in Baiardo; maybe the most important festival of western Liguria, it is deeply felt by the residents who have never stopped celebrating it, not even during World War II. It is the representation of a tragic medieval story, sung in 44 verses. It narrates the story of Count Baiardo’s daughter, who fell in love with a young man from Pisa, sent with others up to the village to cut wood for the ships of the Republic of Pisa, an ally of Ventimiglia. The Count doesn’t accept the fact that his daughter has left with the young man so he sends his men to reach her and decapitate her. Pentecost Sunday, the population gathers in the church square around a very high pine tree representing the mast of a ship. Defolia... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=e577c6c6-1b2f-48e6-ab33-6792dfe3b567&pageid=page1  The prehistoric site of Balzi Rossi is a good reason to visit this extreme strip of Liguria which is only a few meters from France. It is one of the most important sites in the western Mediterranean and dates back to the Paleolithic period.  You arrive at Balzi Rossi by reaching the frontier of Ponte San Lucovico, in Grimaldi. These are genuine caves, about fifteen, and some are very large. The reddish color of the rocks where the caves open, an authentic cliff about 100 meters high near the sea, is due to the soil which is particularly rich in iron. The first scientific explorations began around the second half of the 19th century. Animal fossils, ornamental objects, various important burial grounds (about twenty), bones, many stone instruments and a rupestrian incision representing a horse were found. A woman’s bone is the most ancient of the remains found, at the “Grotta del Principe” (Prince’s Grotto), the largest cave: this bone reveals that Balzi Rossi was inhabited almost two hundred thousand years ago. A triple burial ground and relative grave goods was found in the Barma Cave (Barma is the word for “grotto” in the local dialect) and in the Caviglione Cave a human skeleton of the Cro-Magnon type was found. The human remains found in the other caves also belonged to the Cro-Magnon type. The skeletons of two children placed on their backs and various seashells were found in the Grotta dei Fanciulli (Children’s Grotto). The Grotta di Florestano (Florestano’s Grotto) was named after the Prince of nearby Monaco. In fact, this Prince financed the first archeological exploration in 1846. Almost all of the archeological findings, including the Venuses, female figures representing fertility, are kept at the nearby Balzi Rossi Prehistoric Museum founded, at the end of the 19th century, by Sir Thomas Hanbury.      http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=14819c97-ede1-4a05-a90a-066997ddd82a&pageid=page1 Bordighera is one of the most elegant cities of the Riviera dei Fiori (The Flower Riviera). Surrounded by plants and trees, its urban development did not create environmental damage such as elsewhere in Liguria. The palm trees contend the land with the lemon, orange and tangerine trees and bougainvilleas climb the walls. Legend has it that an Egyptian anchorite landed in Sant’Ampelio, the most southern part of all northern Italy, in 411 AD, and brought with him the seeds of palm date trees. A small church was built on the rocks of Capo, where Saint Ampelio died between the 11th and 12th centuries. An itinerary to visit the beauty of Bordighera could begin right from Sant’Ampelio, one of the most charming places to swim because of its emerald green waters. The rotunda was actually meant to be a casino was destroyed during WWII. On clear days, there is a spectacular view that ranges from Arma di Taggia to Monte Carlo and Antibes. Upon crossing the Aurelia road, there is a statue of Queen Marguerite watching over a lush garden full of palm and pine trees and taking the road uphill, the old city is reached. Besides the characteristic narrow streets, a visit to the parish church of Saint Mary Magdalene (17th century) is recommended. Starting from Sant’Ampelio you can also walk down Lungomare Argentina, a promenade two kilometers long, far from traffic, named ”Argentina” following a visit to Bordighera by Evita Peron, in 1947. Evita’s visit to the area was also mentioned by the author Nico Orengo in the novel “Le Rose di Evita” (Evita’s Roses). Bordighera, like Sanremo, was one of the favorite Italian destinations of the British whobuilt villas, hotels, a tennis club and an Anglican church here. The echo of the horses’ hoofs on the road as they take their British lords for a ride can still be heard as you walk down Vittorio Veneto or Romana street. This part of Bordighera has not changed and the large hotels have almost all been remodeled. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=c69e65d9-d6e0-46e4-b9dc-a78271779ffa&pageid=page1 Borghetto d'Arroscia, is a picturesque medieval village in the Arroscia valley, surrounded by nature and in particular chestnut trees, olive trees and vineyards. It was first a dominion of the Clavesana marquises and then, in 1512, part of the Republic of Genoa. The Church of Saint Pantaleo (15th century) is interesting to visit and it is about a kilometer outside of the village, surrounded by an uncontaminated landscape. The Church has beautiful sculptured doors dated 1493 and created by the marble sculptures of the nearby “school of Cènova” and frescos inside dated the same period. The parish church of the village is Baroque. The hamlet of Gavenola with the Baroque church of Saint Colombano and the 17th century sanctuary of Saints Cosma and Damian is worth a visit. The hamlet is in a splendid position on a crest at about 1069 meters above sea level between the Arroscia and Pennavaira valleys. A curious fact about the area regards Ubaga and Ubaghetta, two hamlets of Borghetto situated on two hills one in front of the other. The stone houses here were in ruins until some decades ago. The homes were bought mainly by the Germans and Northern Europeans who remodeled them and now spend their holidays here. The same thing has happened to many other mountain villages in the Province of Imperia. Ubago means “opaque” in the local dialect and it is the opposite of aprico (facing the sun) from which the name of the more famous Apricale comes from. One of the greatest Italian authors of the 20th century, Italo Calvino, who grew up in Sanremo, describes Liguria using these two antonyms: “Being called “opaque”- “ubagu” in dialect, a place where the sun doesn’t shine (…) or “aprico” - “abrigu” in dialect – a place where the sun shines. (…). Only deep into the torrents bristling with reeds with a papery swish, or behind the protuberant tops on the hillocks, and behind still in the succession of spurs of the mountain range parallel to the coast, there is the darkness... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=a9e08ad7-3de8-4583-b482-588bd91d7650&pageid=page1  Borgomaro and its territory, inland Imperia, are rich in history. The Maro valley was full of a number of  communicating watch towers already in the Middle Ages. These were used to keep the eventual attacks by enemies under control. This area is one of the most important of western Liguria for the cultivation of olive trees. Relative to this farming activity, in the past there were seven mills in Borgomaro that utilized the water of the Impero torrent for their needs. Borgomaro was a feud of the Ventimiglia counts and in the 16th century passed under the government of the Savoys also due to its strategic geographical position.  The parish church dedicated to Saint Anthony Abate is of noteworthy historical-artistic value and it is dated middle 17th century. The Church of Saint Maurice with it beautiful Romanesque bell tower is also noteworthy. There are some important monuments around Borgomaro. One of these is the ancient medieval church of Saints Nazario and Celso which is interesting also due to the landscape. The church has a nave and two aisles and it was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. It also has a striking portal in black stone. There are also the historical hamlets of  Candeasco, Ville San Pietro and Ville San Sebastiano to visit and the ruins of the medieval castle of Conio, built by the Ventimiglia counts in the 13th century, placed on a hill over the residential area of the hamlet in a splendid panoramic position.     http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=24217a60-5965-446d-a2d5-fa350a640a2e&pageid=page1  A terrible earthquake in February 1887 destroyed various villages of the western Liguria inland and some areas of the coast. Bussana (201 meters above sea level) was one of the villages damaged the most and the entire population had to be evacuated. The inhabitants moved towards the valley building new homes and founding Bussana Nuova (New Bussana) where the grandiose sanctuary of the Holy Heart was built at the end of the 19th century.  The ruins of the churches and old stone homes, as if by spell, remained as they were at the end of the earthquake until the 1960s, when various artists and hippies, above all foreigners, discovered the magic and particular atmosphere of this village.  They began occupying the houses that were not completely destroyed, remodeled them inside with creative spirit but with respect for the history of the village and leaving them “intact” outside. Bussana Vecchia (Old Bussana) began to flourish and went from a ghost town to a Village of artists, known now all over the world.   Its narrow streets are now animated with small boutiques, art galleries, crafts shops and Italian and foreign antique dealers. There are picturesque restaurants, cafés and bars where you can sit and talk after dinner drinking a good glass of local wine. Time passes slower and pleasantly here. At night you can take a walk down the “carruggi” (narrow streets) illuminated not by electrical lamps but by torches, as in medieval times. Walking through this maze of narrow streets in this ancient village is a special and dreamlike experience. A visit to the romantic ruins of the ancient churches surrounded by plants is a must. The junction reaching Bussana Nuova and going up to Bussana Vecchia is on the Aurelia between Sanremo and Arma di Taggia.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=4d0701cc-66f8-4778-a93f-ac7b77337bed&pageid=page1 Camporosso is the first village you come across in the Nervia valley on a picturesque road that leads to the inland towards Dolceacqua and Pigna, following a winding torrent. The village also has three hundred meters of beach, the smallest in Italy. The name comes from the Latin “Campus Rubeus” referring not only to the red oleanders along the Nervia torrent but also to the reddish color of the land. This village was fortified already during medieval times and its long history is tied to that of nearby Ventimiglia even though its geographical position, bordering with the territories of Dolceacqua, a dominion of the Dorias from Genoa, caused many battles in the past. Since the 19th century, Camporosso has become an important olive tree cultivation and olive oil production center. The village has many buildings of artistic interest like the parish church of Saint Mark dated the 15th-18th century with three polyptychs of the 16th century and the Suffrage Oratory in the main square of the village, a beautiful Baroque building. Ancient books and parchments of great historical value are kept in the library of the Municipal Building and just outside the residential area there is the picturesque Romanesque church of Saint Peter dated the 11th century. In September visitors can participate in the “Barbagiuai Festival”, barbagiuai is a local specialty: pumpkin, goat cheese and herb-filled fried ravioli. While dancing and singing, participants consume about ten thousand portions of these ravioli. Camporosso is also famous for its particular natural environment - a small paradise - around the mouth of the Nervia torrent: “All of a sudden the landscape transformed into something marvelous. The dry torrent bed was covered in vegetation and with the village of Camporosso formed a perfect painting. First you could see the oleanders and tamarisk bushes; then the houses, peeping through and the high and gracious steeple of a church standing above a group of trees k... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=c31064ae-d46f-4350-abf3-e888e95243d4&pageid=page1  Caravonica is a quiet little medieval village located halfway up the hill in a sunny position on the ancient road that used to lead to Piedmont. It was a feud of the Ventmiglia counts in the past. Taking a walk towards the beautiful sanctuary of Our Lady of the Vineyards is interesting because it is located in the middle of olive groves in a picturesque landscape context. The sanctuary dates back to the 17th century and it was remodeled and enriched with stuccos and decorations in the 18th century. The main economical activity of the village is the cultivation of olive trees and olive oil production. There are also many vineyards and Vermentino and Dolcetto wines are produced here. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=11d7bd3e-8308-4e62-ba66-b549f576d3e5&pageid=page1 The village of Carpasio, on the road connecting the Argentina valley to the Rezzo, Arroscia and Impero valleys through Colle d’Oggia and San Bernardino di Conio, is a characteristic example of Liguria mountain architecture. The village is 720 meters above sea level. It has the traditional radial layout with typical uphill small streets. It was at first a Ventimiglias’ feud which then passed under the Lascaris of Tenda beginning in 1455 and finally under the Savoys in 1573. The parish church of Saint Antonino (built in the 15th century but reconstructed in the 18th century) with its extensively inclined Romanesque bell tower is interesting to visit. Various rural chapels and shrines can be seen by walking down to Montalto using the mule track. There are a lot of festivals in Carpasio, especially in summer, such as the Carpasina Festival. Carpasina is a traditional bread made from dried barley and flavored with garlic, anchovies, tomatoes and olive oil. There is also the Kite Festival in Prati Piani. There is also a small and interesting Italian Resistance Museum between Montalto and Carpasio at the junction for Costa di Carpasio which is worth a visit. The Garibaldi Brigade of the Italian Resistance fought fiercely in these valleys. The Italian author Italo Calvino belonged to this Brigade (the author’s first novels, The Path to the Spiders’ Nest and The Crow Comes Last, are interesting to read before visiting the area). The road leading to the hamlet seems as though it were built especially to enter into contact with the hard life of partisans so driving up it is not recommended unless the driver is used to the roughness of the Liguria landscape. The Museum was strongly wanted by the old partisans living in the area. There are letters and photographs of the men and women who fought in these mountains and contributed in pushing out the Germans. The Museum consists of two rooms situated in an old remodeled farmhouse and it also includes helmets, holsters... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=46f35f72-a2f9-45f9-b98c-7c8da5ca0643&pageid=page1 The medieval village of Castellaro is situated in the lower Argentina valley above Taggia. It was a feud of the Villaregia and Lengueglia counts and in 1228 it was officially conquered by the Republic of Genoa. Castellaro also underwent attacks by the terrible Saracens. During the second half of the 16th century it was fiercely pillaged by pirates who took advantage of the fact that the liege at the time, the Spinolas of Genoa, did not initiate a well-designed defensive strategy.     Saint Peter in Chains is the beautiful parish church of the village and it was built in the early 17th century on the site of an ancient castle destroyed in 1341.  An old pathway departed from the church and led to the pastures of the Saccarello and taking this ancient path now leads to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lampedusa (dated early 17th century) where one can enjoy an incomparable view. A canvas representing the Madonna is kept inside the sanctuary. According to legend, the painting helped a resident of Castellaro escape from Lampedusa, where he was held prisoner. The man used the canvas as a sail to escape by sea. This miracle was also analyzed and narrated in an interesting essay by the author Ivan Arnaldi, who lived here. The sanctuary is about a kilometer from the residential area of Castellaro and along the path there are the aedicule representing the Stations of the Cross.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=4a80b065-3961-494e-bc70-fbf4c8482788&pageid=page1 Castelvittorio, in the Nervia valley, is an extraordinarily charming ancient village because of its environmental setting in the midst of woodlands on the top of a hill in a strategic position. The village exists since medieval times and it was a Ventimiglias’ possession and then in 1261 it became a Republic of Genoa possession. The longstanding rivalry between Castel Vittorio (a Genoa possession) and the nearby Pigna (a Savoy possession on Liguria territory) is well-known. It is really well worth the effort to go and visit this village and walk among its narrow streets, pathways and small squares in its ancient heart. The parish church of Saint Steven (16th - 17th century) with the beautiful bas-reliefs of the internal doorposts of the lateral portal and the Saint Catherine oratory (dating back to the Middle Ages) are interesting to visit. For food lovers there is the “Turtun Festival” in August (turtun is a typical zucchini cake cooked on a griddle) and the “dei Peti de Muneghe” Festival in September (these are sweet fritters fried in an enormous pan). Gran pistau is another typical dish of Pigna and Castelvittorio. Wheat is ground with a mortar and pestle and then washed; then (si deve lasciare il soggetto e verbo) boiled with bay leaves and pork rind or bits of lard. Once cooked, it’s sautéed with garlic and leeks. This recipe goes way back in time and it is a very ancient dish, an example of gastronomic archeology. The use of animal fat instead of olive oil is proof of its early origins because the dish was invented before the beginning of olive tree cultivation. A lovely excursion to take is Buggio (a hamlet of Pigna), the last village high up on the valley situated between mounts Toraggio and Pietravecchia, the “small Dolomites” of the West which offer unforgettable landscapes. Visitors can take long walks in this uncontaminated nature because the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, a 400 kilometer excursion route, goes through the Nervia valley. Visitors can... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=133ce79d-6afe-47fe-8735-f9b99c4ade72&pageid=page1 The late medieval characteristic village of Ceriana, inland Sanremo, is one of the most beautiful and uncontaminated of western Liguria and can be reached by taking the road for Poggio in the eastern suburbs of Sanremo. The primitive “Castrum Coelianae” derives from the Roman family Celii. Its historical center, evidence of which dates it back to the 11th century, is circular like that of Pigna, Dolceacqua, Taggia and Dolcedo. The narrow and dark streets with the typical exposed stone houses are positioned in elliptic circles around the top of the mountain. Situated in the Armea valley, Ceriana was inhabited by farmers in the past, who worked outside all day long, cultivating the terraced olive groves and vineyards. It is a very picturesque village, set in the rock. The narrow streets set against the mountains and leading to a covered passageway engraved in the rocks are undeniably incomparable such as “Porta della Pena” a gate characterized by crossed and arched vaults facing the valley covered in olive trees and crossed by the Armea torrent. The Church of the Holy Spirit, situated outside of the village, can be reached from Porta della Pena. This church is a Romanesque building dated the 12th century with a beautiful portico. The Saint Catherine Oratory is also outside the village with its beautiful 17th century Baroque façade and it is the seat of the Catholic Secular Association Confraternita dei Rossi. The old olive mills are also at the foot of the village. There are other interesting churches in Ceriana: the recently restored baroque Saints Peter and Paul Church; the baroque Saint Martha Church (seat of the Catholic Secular Association Confraternita dei Verdi) and the Romanesque Saint Andrew (seat of the Catholic Secular Association Confraternita dei Neri). The seat of the Catholic Secular Association Confraternita degli Azzurri is the oratory of the Visitation of Our Lady. Ceriana is famous for its choral groups. On the evening of Maundy Thursday, the... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=8190ef26-5798-48ba-b247-d5c4974dc767&pageid=page1 Cervo is one of the most beautiful villages in Liguria, both because of its picturesque position on a panoramic cliff on the sea and for its artistic heritage, from the medieval to baroque. Its history is very ancient and a center probably already existed in the Paleolithic era. In the 11th century it was a Clavesanas’ feud and then passed under the jurisdiction of Diano and in the 12th century under that of the Republic of Genoa. Walking around in Cervo observing the beautiful facades of its buildings and entering randomly into its maze of narrow streets, without a definite itinerary, is in itself a special experience: a pleasant walk through time and space. A more precise knowledge of this village’s heritage can begin with the higher part of the village where the Castle is found. The Castle is dated 12th century and it is one of the most significant civil and military buildings of medieval Liguria. It was built during the first Crusades for the Knights of Jerusalem. During the course of the centuries it carried out various functions and it was also the seat of a parliament and a hospital. There is a small but interesting museum inside, the Ethnographic Museum of Western Liguria and the exhibits reconstruct some forms of life and culture. The visitor can acknowledge how the Liguria populations lived and worked, especially during the 19th century. Walking down the main street of the historic center (Salineri Street), the visitor comes across the parish church of Saint John the Baptist. This church was built in the 17th century and is baroque in style and it is worth visiting. It is better known as the church of the “Corallini” (little corals) because it was built thanks to financing by the fishermen of the area, specialized in coral fishing. Its façade is concave and a beautiful stairway raises the church rendering it more theatrical. The Chamber Music Festival is held in its beautiful and panoramic square in Summer. Inside there are precious works of a... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=4de76aa6-1315-4d15-bc93-5a8509e20646&pageid=page1  Cesio is in the Maro valley at 530 meters above sea level. It is a nice village with a lot of sunshine,surrounded by oak trees, meadows and vineyards. Half of the village is on the old Colle di Nava road and half is gathered on a cliff in a panoramic and strategic position: in fact its closeness to the Saint Bartholomew Pass was important. During the course of its history, the village first belonged to the Clavesanas and then to the Republic of Genoa and finally to the Savoys. There are still the suggestive ruins of an ancient fortress. The parish church is dedicated to Saint Lucia and it is baroque in style. The main economic activities include olive tree cultivation and tourism. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=fadaae81-2c03-44a7-ba8d-6229a424673a&pageid=page1  Chiusanico is a nice historical village and it is exciting walking among its stone houses and arriving at the silent square of the castle and at the neoclassic parish church of Saint Steven. The village is set in a panoramic position in the middle of olive trees.  The hamlet of Torria is also a nice place to visit with its Church of Saint Martin and the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows. In the hamlet of Gazzelli visitors can see the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Visitation (17th century) and the parish church of Saint Andrew.  The village existed already in the Middle Ages and, during the course of its long history, passed under various dominions: first under the bishops of Albenga, then the Genoa Dorias, and at last under the Savoys.  The main economic activity in Chiusanico is farming, especially in connection with the production of olive oil.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=cb3d49aa-d47a-42da-8c20-16dff1824b0c&pageid=page1  Chiusavecchia, in a beautiful position in the Impero valley, owes its name to the strategic “closing” position in the valley. It was first a dominion of the bishops of Albenga and then passed to the Dorias of Genoa, from the end of the 13th to the 16th century and last of all, it passed under the control of the Savoys. Among the historical-artistic heritage to see, there is the nice parish church of Saint Biagio and Saint Francis of Sales, remodeled during the 17th century upon a preexisting nucleus (inside there is a lovely 16th century wooden Cross) and just above the residential area, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Olive Groves (dated 16th century). Visitors can also stop to see the old bridge on the Impero torrent. The surrounding land is mainly cultivated with olive trees and vineyards. One more curious fact: one of the most important Italian sopranos, Mariella Devia, was born in Chiusavecchia in 1948. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=0cee4e97-b907-4f92-a888-0482c3f31e37&pageid=page1  According to an old legend, Cipressa owes its name to its founders, three sheep herders that had escaped from Cyprus and landed on the Aregai shores. But according to another interpretation the name comes from the cypress tree.  The village was pillaged many times by pirates and destroyed by privateers as early as the year 1000 and then destroyed again during the second half of the 16th century by Turkish pirates. Right during this period, the stupendous Gallinara Tower was built above the village. Here residents would hide during the feared raids from the sea. The history of the ancient village of Cipressa is tied, during the Middle Ages, to the noble family of the Della Lengueglia (from which the name Lingueglietta comes from, a hamlet of Cipressa) but also to the Benedictines of Villaregia. From 1300 on, Cipressa became an ally of the Republic of Genoa and remained under its dominion, until 1815, when it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The beautiful Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Peter (13th century) is a very rare example of a sacred building transformed into a fortress for defensive needs during the 1500s. Sacred and profane elements coexist: the suspended sentry box and the loopholes can still be noticed while the façade presents a small bell tower on the left. The parish church dedicated to the Visitation of Mary is also beautiful, with its nucleus dated the 13th century but then rebuilt during the baroque era, with a portico and a marble portal dated the 17th century. The ruins of the Lengueglia castle can be found in front of the church. Visitors can walk down the road leading to Lingueglietta to the ruins of the church of Saint Sebastian: the two scenic columns of light colored stone that are a part of the vegetation. The ancient pomp of Lingueglietta is still visible in the charming network of its narrow streets and in the medieval structure, which has remained almost intact. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=e6a8a465-8623-403c-8027-be6263b06138&pageid=page1  Civezza, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, is situated in an excellent position just a little inland from the coast, on a dominant hill, far enough from the sea to protect itself from pirate invasions. Mount Faudo (1149 meters, the highest in the area) is nearby. This lovely village dates back to the 12th century and according to the legend, it was founded by three Venetian refugees. Civezza was first under the dominion of the Clavesanas, then of the town of Porto Maurizio and at last it went under the control of the Republic of Genoa. It was pillaged by the Turkish pirate Dragut in 1564. Visitors can still see the five guard towers, today privates homes, built to defend the village. The most recognizable tower is at the top of the village, at the beginning of Dante Street and another one is in front of the parish church. A must see is the beautiful parish church dedicated to Saint Mark, rebuilt in the 18th century in baroque style on a previous nucleus. The Oratory of Saint John the Baptist is nearby. The Chapel of Saint Bridget can be reached from Civezza and then visitors can climb up to Mount Faudo in about two and a half hours. Along the path there are old stone homes built in the past by herders. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=0cfdafbd-1361-426a-963f-d16bb328809a&pageid=page1 Green meadows, paths in the woodlands, silence everywhere calming the spirit, a mountain atmosphere with the fragrances and scents of pine, resin and lavender; fresh and clean air regenerating the lungs; excursions in the middle of an uncontaminated nature: all this is Colle di Nava. A pass connecting Liguria and Piedmont, 941 meters above sea level in the municipality of Pornassio. On one side Liguria with the Arroscia valley and on the other Piedmont and the Tanaro valley. The residential area is also divided into two villages: Colle di Nava on the top and Case di Nava on the Tanaro valley side. This is a pleasant holiday resort with a brisk climate that is already alpine even though it is only about thirty kilometers from Imperia and the sea. It can snow intensively in the winter and the landscape becomes enchanted. This place is also well-known for its lavender cultivations. This type of lavender is called Coldinava and its essential oil is used in cosmetics. There are various itineraries visitors can take during the summer and in a few minutes find themselves in the midst of a Garden of Eden with multicolored wild flowers, butterflies and unique striking scenery around them. However Colle di Nava is not only about nature; there is also a memorial dedicated to the alpine troops of the Cuneo Alpine Division and spread out in strategic positions, various defense forts dated the 19th century. In fact, the important protection of the ancient ’salt trading roads’ was carried out here, in these border areas between Liguria and Piedmont.”  http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=51865a43-2438-4753-90be-70c1d928b0b6&pageid=page1 San Bernardo di Mendatica is an important stop between Nava and Monesi on the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri (Liguria Mountain Road) and it is also a tranquil and sunny tourism-residential center situated on the San Bernardo hill (1263 meters above sea level) at the junction of the road for Mendiatica and Cosio d’Arroscia. There is a crisp mountain air here at the divide between the Tanaro and Arroscia torrents. The entire area is full of pastures and grazing lands,characterized by a mostly mountain environment where pine, beech and larch trees prevail. This is a paradise for excursionists, the home of herdsmen and woodsmen. In spring and summer visitors can depart from here for various itineraries on the paths of the Alta Via (Liguria Mountain Road). The first part of Fall is suggested for excursions because of the extraordinary yellow-red tones of the tree leaves. Stretches of ancient mule tracks, which were used to move animals from one season to the next, are still practicable. A former military road takes to the Garezzo hill (1801 meters above sea level) where the southern side of Mount Saccarello (2201 meters above sea level) can be reached. There is also the nearby Tanarello Bridge (1042 meters above sea level; a mule track departing from San Bernardo di Mendatica takes to the Bridge). This medieval bridge was important in the past for the trade routes and the seasonal movement of herdsmen and their animals between fixed summer and winter pastures. Other meadows, Piaggia and Briga Alta can be reached, walking past some old mills and picturesque landscapes.  http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=44dfee84-deb4-4641-ae35-c3eafbedf1ca&pageid=page1  Cosio d'Arroscia is 721 meters above sea level in the higher Arroscia valley. The village is surrounded by woodlands and set on a crest in a dominant and panoramic position. These are the Liguria Alps. with Mount Saccarello (2200 meters), as the highest peak. This entire area is of great historical and environmental value. There are other naturalistic attractions besides Mount Saccarello, such as the beautiful Arroscia torrent waterfalls, the Navette Forest (a coniferous forest at 1600 meters) and the Tanarello valley.  The village of Cosio d’Arroscia has a very ancient history.It existed already in pre-Roman times, the Clavesana marquises built a castle here in the Middle Ages,destroyed in 1232. In the 14th century Cosio becomes a dominion of the Della Lengueglias, gravitating around the Republic of Genoa.   The medieval center is suggestively beautiful and still inhabited. Walking among the ancient stone homes zigzagging along the narrow streets, which are often vaulted and covered, is a genuine pleasure. The lovely Romanesque bell tower of the Oratory of Our Lady of the Assumption and the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul (dated the first half of the 17th century) are worth visiting. The ruins (the apse) of the ancient church of Saint Peter of the Ditch (dated 10th century) can be found a little outside of the village, with frescos dated the 15th century.  On a curious note, in 1957 the historical political and cultural protest movement Situationist  International was founded here in Cosio d’Arroscio. This revolutionary group was made up of philosophers, scholars and artists such as: Piero Simondo (who was born here), Guy Debord, Asger Jorn and Pinot Gallizio. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=6b49f8a1-89c6-4f60-b653-5ce57f04e8f9&pageid=page1  Costarainera is in a happy position on a hillside in front of the sea. It is protected against the cold winds thanks to Mount Saccarello and this is the reason it has a fortunate and particularly healthy microclimate. The village consists of two settlements: the ancient part, founded in the 13th century, is on the hill and the modern, touristic and residential part is on the coast along the Aurelia road. Because of the mild climate, the cultivation of grapes was the main farming activity in the past but recently many of the vineyards have been substituted with flower gardens. The territory is also characterized by olive groves and the excellent extra-virgin olive oil it produces. The village of Costarainera was also pillaged by the barbaric Pirates during the second half of the 16th century. A visit to the ancient village and its immediate surrounding area can be a pleasurable experience also due to the architectonical proof of its past history, such as the ruins of the Poggio tower, the lovely Romanesque churches of Saint Sebastian (12th century) and Saint Anthony (14th century with subsequent remodeling done in the 15th and 17th centuries) and the 18th century parish church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=8ee3abe8-04ac-432e-9349-e85ea5da423a&pageid=page1  Diano Arentino is inland Diano Marina and surrounded by the flora of the hills of the higher valley of the San Pietro torrent. It is a nice rural village important for the production of olive oil and of Vermentino wine. Like the other villages of this area, it has a long history: in the 12th century the village and surrounding villages were part of the Communitas Diani. In the early 13th century the Clavesana marquises sold it to the Republic of Genoa and, together with nearby Diano Marina, it was allowed a form of independence with its own statutes and laws. In 1815 it became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and then of Italy in 1861. During the 1920s it separated from Diano Marina and became an independent municipality, uniting the three hamlets of Arentino, Borello and Evigno.  A visit to the parish church dedicated to Saint Marguerite of Antioch (dated the 15th century) and in Evigno, the Church of Saint Bernard with a beautiful polyptych inside dated middle 16th century and the nearby Oratory are a must because of their picturesque beauty and historical and artistic importance. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=7185aa92-e902-429c-b835-a848946d13cf&pageid=page1  Diano Castello is the most important historical village of the Diano valley and it is perched on a hill in a dominant position. It was an independent village in 1172 and then passed under the dominion of the Republic of Genoa. The village is still surrounded in part by the ancient walls  built to protect it from the invasions by the Saracens. It has a lovely historical center, full of important buildings. A must see is the parish church of Saint Nicolò, baroque in style and built in the late 17th century. The City Hall is in front of the church and it is an ancient mansion, once belonging to the Quaglia counts. There is a fresco inside the building dated the 17th century and representing the sacrifice of the citizens of Diano side by side the people from Genoa in the Battle of Meloria, in 1284, a famous naval battle offshore Leghorn. During the battle the Republic of Genoa armada, led by Oberto Doria, defeated the Pisa armada. You can also see the church of Saint Mary Assumption (12th-13th century), The Oratory of Saint Crucifix and Saint Bernardino and particularly intact, the Romanesque church of Saint John the Baptist, dated the 12th century. The local products include Vermentino wine, an excellent white wine, appreciated for its dry and slightly fruity taste. This wine comes from an ancient grape variety brought from Spain between the 13th and 14th centuries. Of course, the area also produces an excellent extra-virgin olive oil.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=3880c132-3523-4aa8-b926-f250ecd147a6&pageid=page1 Diano Marina is one of the most appreciated tourism locations and it also has a nice tourist marina for the docking of small pleasure crafts. It is ranked third in Liguria in tourist preferences and it is first in the province of Imperia. Its natural position is particularly fortunate and its wide fine sand beaches in the Sant’Anna district are the main attraction of this town. Among the various tourism and sports activities during the summer, there is also the possibility of dolphin and whale watching by boat. The characteristic Infiorata (flower display) is a must see event. This is a historical event that involves the entire town and is repeated every year during the Corpus Domini celebrations: about two thousand square meters of rose petals completely cover the pavement of the streets in the town center, forming a multicolored perfumed carpet and offering a picturesque sight. The first human evidence of the long history of Diano Marina goes back to the Bronze Age, about 14,000 years ago. It seems that the name of the town derives from Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. The Romans introduced the cult of Diana to substitute the more ancient cult of Borman, a local divinity associated with the waters. Archeological findings kept at the Civic Museum (Palazzo del Parco, Corso Garibaldi, built around the second half of the 19th century), allowed connecting the “Lucus Bormani”, a forest sacred for the people of Liguria and mentioned in various historical literature, to this gulf. The Civic Museum was remodeled in 2004 and besides the considerable quantity of Roman and Pre-Roman artifacts, there are also some mementos of the Garibaldi period – Andrea Rossi of Diano Marina was a member of the Expedition of the Thousand – and an interesting mineralogy section. Art exhibits and cultural conferences are regularly hosted in the beautiful rooms of this building which also hosts the Civic Library. The ancient medieval Romanesque church dated the year... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=b7e1de1c-7de6-4348-acf3-14dbf539de74&pageid=page1  Diano San Pietro is in the immediate Diano Marina inland, along the San Pietro torrent and it is an ancient and beautiful medieval village that was first a Clavesanas’ feud and then fell under the dominion of the Republic of Genoa. It then became a part of the “Communitas Diani” with the other neighboring villages such as Diano Arentino and Diano Castello.  Taking a walk to fully enjoy the atmosphere of this village is worth it: walking along you can see the characteristic maze of narrow streets, the porticos and ancient stone houses. The baroque façade of the parish church of Saint Peter is picturesque. The church dates back to the Middle Ages but was rebuilt during the second half of the 18th century. It has an elliptical layout with two chapels on the semi-minor axis. Other buildings worth seeing are in the nearby hamlet of Diano Borganzo. These are the Oratory of Saint John and the parish church of the Nativity of Our Lady (19th century) where a beautiful polyptych by Antonio Brea, dated 1518, is kept.  The cultivation of olive trees and vegetables is the main economic activities of the village. i. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=0ecb211b-6fe0-4821-a9c6-f2d81cb79f43&pageid=page1 Dolceacqua is on the Nervia torrent and it is one of the most picturesque historical villages of western inland Liguria, inserted in a splendid hillside landscape of olive groves and vineyards. A view of Dolceacqua from the road along the Nervia torrent is rendered even more charming by the late medieval bridge crossing the torrent, at the foot of the village. The bridge is 33 meters long and it is a typical arched humpbacked bridge uniting the two districts of Dolceacqua: Terra, immediately following Castello and Borgo. Dolceacqua is the ancient capital of the Dorias marquisate which was spread out in the Nervia valley, and this village is a must see, with its fortified district, its covered walkways, its closely built stone houses clinging under the ruins of the Castle, in a dominant position over the valley, its square towers and its empty windows opening towards the blue sky. The castle was founded in the 11th century and it strategically sits on a rocky hill. Manuele Doria bought it in the 13th century and had an extension built. Other work was done on the Castle between the 15th and 16th centuries when it was transformed into an authentic fortified residence. The main rooms were frescoed by Luca Cambiaso. During its long history, the Castle stood firm against repeated attacks and raids until 1745, when it was partially destroyed during the French-Austrian war. Other important monuments of historical interest include the church of the cemetery, dedicated to Saint George, with its Romanesque bell tower and crypt and where the tombs of the Dorias are kept underneath the Baptistery. The parish church of Saint Anthony the Abbot with a very beautiful polyptych “Devoted Saint” by Ludovico Brea (1515) and a monument dedicated to the Olive Mill, called gumbu in the local dialect, are in Piazza Padre Giovanni Mauro. The monument is dedicated to Pier Vincenzo Mela who, in the 18th century, discovered the method of washing olive residue. This method was then... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=7d962d3e-69b1-44f3-ab8e-87c21f7fe936&pageid=page1 Dolcedo, situated in the Prino valley, in the intermediate Imperia inland, is a medieval village and the main center of the valley. Its landscape and architecture are beautiful. This charming hilly territory is one of the most important olive oil production centers and countless olive groves can be found on the terraces. The extra virgin olive oil produced here is particularly delicate and fruity (using the famous taggiasche olives). The village (an ancient feud of the Clavesanas) is composed of various centers; the most important called Piazza because it was the site of the outdoor market. You can still see the old mill wheels on the river as you walk down the lovely walkway with porticos that flanks the Prino torrent. There are various historical and artistic sites worth seeing. The Grande Bridge is particularly charming. It was built by the Knights of Malta in 1292. Other interesting sites are the ancient loggia of the village hall; the parish church dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle (originally built in the Middle Ages and then rebuilt during the first half of the 17th century) which sits among the houses. The church has a lovely parvis which hosts the ’Martyrdom of Saint Peter’ by Gregorio De Ferrari and two other paintings attributed to Luca Cambiaso; and the Oratory of Saint Prospero, built during the second half of the 17th century. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace (15th century) is another gem of this valley. It is surrounded by trees and in a panoramic position. The blue of the sea and the silver-green of the olive trees blend together in a beautiful painting with the Alps dominating in the background. There are important series of frescos in this nave and two aisle sanctuary created by Gabriele della Cella (’Stories by Saint James’) and by the brothers Tommaso and Matteo Biazaci (’The Pain of the Damned’, ’Final Judgement’, ’Stories by John the Baptist’) dated the 15th century. Before arriving at Dolcedo, you can also stop in Cl... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=fe74a99a-b8b3-432a-b65c-f322424d2e84&pageid=page1 In the past, Imperia was important because of its food industries but today it has become more of a tourism city. Imperia was founded in 1923 from the unification of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio: as you can see on the map, the two residential centers are still divided, even though unification was attempted by building the City Hall at a half-way point in the 1930s. This area was already inhabited in prehistoric times as the findings discovered on Mount Feudo prove. During the Middle Ages, Oneglia and Porto Maurizio were two different universes with two courts and two distinct feudal jurisdictions. Following the fall of Napoleon in 1815, they both became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1848 the bridge on the Impero River, which allowed a quicker link between the two cities, was finally inaugurated. Oneglia is more of the business center of Imperia. There are many shops and cafés under the 19th century porticos of Bonfante Street. The old part of the city with the ancient fishermen’s houses is concentrated near the port and Calata Cuneo. Here you can buy fresh fish at the fishmonger’s or eat it at a restaurant or see the house where Andrea Doria was born in 1466. Port traffic has greatly decreased and so today the bars and restaurants under the porticos aren’t crowded with the camalli (‘dockworker’ in the local dialect). Piazza De Amicis is at the end of Calata Cuneo and the building where the author of the children’s book ’The Heart of a Boy’ was born is found here. Villa Grock is in Cascine, on a hill, and it is the residence of the Swiss clown Adrien Wettach – with bizarre decorations and a scenic park. There is also the house that Luciano Berio, the great composer originally from Imperia, donated to the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso, an association founded to help workers. Oneglia is the home of the Olive Tree Museum, founded by the Carli Brothers. Imperia and its valleys are represented here by the occupational activity that best distin... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=e511f652-fe60-4313-98d1-60b248942060&pageid=page1 Isolabona (from ’Insula Bona’), in the Nervia valley, gets its name because it is actually an island on two rivers, the Merdanzo and the Nervia. It is an ancient village, rich in history going back to the Middle Ages. The Dorias began building a castle here to strategically control the road to Apricale in the 13th century. The impressive quadrangular tower, the walls of the portal and an arch of this imposing hexagonal sandstone construction are still standing. The International Harp Festival takes place every July in this splendid context. The houses of Apricale, clinging to the mountainside, can be seen from the entrance to the castle at the top of the valley. The 15th century octagonal fountain, the parish church dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene (late Middle Ages with reconstruction in the 18th century), the Oratory of the Holy Cross (17th century) and the charming little Romanesque church of Saint John the Baptist are all interesting to visit. There is also the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace (late Middle Ages) presenting a 17th century Doric portico with frescos by Giovanni Cambiaso. Of course there is also the characteristic medieval arched bridge over the Nervia torrent. The Argeléu Castle is nearby. It is on the road leading to the Gouta Pass. It was built by the Ventimiglias in the 13th century and sits on a hill. The main activity in Isolabona is mainly farming the key products being wine (Rossesse) and olive oil. It’s worth trying the cubàite while in Isolabona. These are typical sweets with a honey, hazelnut and lemon zest filling between two thin wafers. The author Nico Orengo (1944-2009) set his last novel Islabonita (published by Einaudi in 2009) in Isolabona: “The wild boars descended that night. They descended from the Pigo and the Merdanzo, they threw themselves into the water, thirsty, pushing their piglets ahead of them, trampling on reed, euphorbia, bramble and broom. Just like a millstone, they crushed rocks and logs. They were hungry; th... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=078af746-a7e7-408b-aae4-515632702674&pageid=page1 Lucinasco is set in a splendid natural context in the Impero valley. There are olive trees everywhere surrounded by a Mediterranean vegetation, genuine silver-green forests. This is the unforgettable impression you have when visiting these areas of the inland. The village is on a crest dominating the Oneglia and Maro valleys. It was a Ventimiglias dominion in the Middle Ages and was then yielded to the Lascaris family and in 1575 it was passed to the Savoys. The olive tree monoculture has greatly influenced the traditions and life of the inhabitants, who continue to produce olive oil using traditional methods. The Liguria farming terraces, called fasce, with the typical dry walls are dug out in the rock by the farmers to render this mountainous terrain cultivable and so mechanization is not possible due to lack of space, so the olives are still harvested manually. The traditional mills are worth the visit and here you can buy extra virgin olive oil directly from the producers. The Germans have set their eyes on Lucinasco, as on other villages in the Imperia inland, and have bought the abandoned old stone houses and remodeled them. There are various things to see in the village and surrounding area. The ruins of a medieval castle are still visible near the parish church (dated the 17th century). The Lazzaro Acquarone (a local artist who died in Genoa in 1613) Museum is hosted in the oratory. Here you can find sacred art and ethnographic artifacts. The seven statues around the dead Christ (painted wooden statue dated 15th century) have a strong impact. A short walk takes to the ancient parish church of Saint Steven, which reflects in a small lake also capturing the colors of the surrounding landscape. You can rest under the cypress trees or take a walk in the park around the church. Not too far from the church, there are two practicable roads. Cars are allowed but driving carefully is strongly recommended. The Sanctuary of Mary Magdalene (15th century) is o... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=b9703ec7-1b3c-4327-a1cc-1239f1c49792&pageid=page1 Mendatica, in the higher Arroscia valley, is a typical mountain village surrounded by plants and trees. Its name probably derives from “mendéga” which in the dialect of Liguria means “sending water”. The area is in fact rich in springs. The village was founded to defend itself from the invasions of the Saracen pirates already in the 8th – 9th century. It became a Clavesana marquises feud around the year 1000 then a Ventimiglia counts possession. It was included in the Republic of Genoa territories in 1385. Among the monuments to visit, a must see is the large parish church of Saints Nazario and Celso. It is a baroque church built in the 18th century though the bell tower is Romanesque because the church was built on a more ancient nucleus. There is a beautiful statue of the Madonna by Anton Maria Maragliano in the one nave church. There is also a small but interesting Farming Civilization Museum in the village. The Sanctuary of Saint Marguerite is just outside the residential area, in a picturesque position on a spur and it is worth the visit. The sanctuary has a lovely portal and the architrave was sculptured by the master sculptors of Cènova and inside there is a series of frescos dated 1500. From here you can take a walk and go to Poilarocca along a natural path admiring the beautiful Arroscia torrent waterfalls. The waterfalls have a drop of about thirty meters.  There are various events in Mendatica: in August there is the White Food Festival dedicated to the typical dishes of the shepherds based on grains, dairy products and local products such as vegetables, chestnuts, leeks and herbs. The Transhumance Festival is in September with the arrival of the herds in the center of the village.     .   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=4c169c7c-f7b8-4cf6-890e-2e9c415b46b2&pageid=page1 Molini di Triora, in the higher Argentina valley, is found at the end of this valley at 460 meters above sea level, at the confluence of two large torrents, the Argentina and the Capriolo. It is surrounded by woodlands, vineyards and chestnut trees. It’s a charming tourism-business center. The air is crisp and magical also due to nearby Triora, some miles higher. Molini gets its name from its 23 watermills (existing already in the 13th century) also used by the inhabitants of Triora, Corte and Andagna. Two of these mills are still visible. The parish church of Saint Lawrence (dated initially 1484) is interesting with its cusped bell tower as is the lovely sanctuary of Our Lady of the Mounts (15th century), at the top of the village, with frescos by Antonio Monregalese, dated 1435. The beautiful landscape and historical-artistic heritage of the hamlets Andagna, Corte, Gavano and Carpenosa are worth visiting. In September there is the Snail Festival, one of the first folkloristic festivals of the inland. However, since farms and vegetable gardens have been abandoned, the local snail is a mirage and so snails are brought in from other areas. Here is a Molini  traditional recipe for cooking snails: put some olive oil in an earthenware pot with onion, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and the snails. Cook for about twenty minutes and then cover with red wine. When the wine evaporates add broth. Before serving add the crumbs of two rolls soaked in vinegar and chopped mint and parsley.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=41c58980-b721-4127-a255-e80e166f679e&pageid=page1 Monesi is on the Saccarello mountainside at 1376 meters above sea level. The source of the Tanaro River is nearby. This is the only left alpine affluent of the Po River. Monesi is the only ski resort in western Liguria. It belongs to the municipality of Triora even though it’s easier to go through Imperia and the Impero and Arroscia valleys (Pontedassio, Pieve di Teco, Acquetico, Mendatica) to get there. This ’small Liguria Switzerland’, as it was called, was a very equipped and prominent ski resort in the 1950s and ‘60s with five ski tows, an ice-skating rink, a chair lift (for some years the longest in Europe) and four ski lifts (one with lighting for skiing after dark). Monesi progressively declined as a ski resort but in these last few years it is trying to become what it was. In fact two ski lifts are now in function and a new chair lift has been activated in 2008. Some of the old ski slopes can be used and Alpine skiing is now available. Going up to Monesi is well worth the effort because the landscape and natural environment are uniquely beautiful also in Spring and Summer and there are various excursion itineraries or meadows among the trees where you can relax in the fresh air. Trekking and mountain biking are the most recommended sports activities for those fond of exercise. There are many spectacular paths along the Mount Saccarello (2201 meters above sea level) ridge, strategically situated among France, Liguria and Piedmont. The Meraviglie, Arroscia and Argentina valleys can be reached from here. Besides, sports fans can ride a horse along the Tanarello valley and the more courageous can raft down some parts of the Arroscia torrent or paraglide at San Bernardo di Mendatica. The Sanremo mountain refuge at 2078 meters above sea level on the eastern side of the Saccarello is very interesting..   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=3b5cda13-f70b-4e72-92ac-b058bd07022e&pageid=page1  Montalto is in the Argentina valley and with its slate portals it is one of the most beautiful and well kept medieval centers of the extreme western Liguria inland. The village was under the dominion of the Ventimiglia counts and then from the 13th century on it was a Republic of Genoa dominion. It is situated on a hill surrounded by olive grove terraces and the historical center seems to be clinging on the mountainside in a picturesque maze of narrow streets, covered walkways and middle passages. The Church of Saint George (12th-14th centuries) is particularly lovely and stands out against a hillock at the foot of the village when passing through the Argentina valley. The parish church of Saint John the Baptist (15th century with work done also in the 17th century) is also lovely with an elegant bell tower and inside various works of art including a polyptyc by Lodovico Brea (1516) and a ’Resurrection’ by Luca Cambiaso. The beautiful sanctuary of Our Lady of Acquasanta (originally dated 15th century) was reconstructed in 1887 following anearthquake in the area and it is about two kilometers outside the village.   Montalto becomes a food capital in the summer and an interesting fact is that various chefs were born here. The Mangiandandu usually takes place in July: this is a eating marathon departing from the village and arriving at the sanctuary of Acquasanta with various food stops. Participants eat the appetizers at the first stop, at the second the pasta dishes, third the entrees and then cheeses. Participants arrive at the sanctuary with a full stomach and turn around to return to the village and eat dessert. Food enthusiasts can try the tasty frandura; the typical dish of the village. It is easy to make: put some extra virgin olive oil in a baking tin and add thinly slices potatoes. Make a batter with milk, flour and pepper and pour it over the potatoes. Bake until brown and enjoy!        http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=55c08e36-534d-488a-abae-b06caf490454&pageid=page1 Montegrosso Pian Latte (721 meters above sea leve) is a quiet mountain village dominating from the higher Arroscia valley at the foot of Mount Monega (1882 meters ).  It already existed in the 11th century and during the Middle Ages it was under the dominion of the Ventimiglia counts. The baroque parish church of Saint Blaze is interesting to see; it was built on a preexisting building and the portal dates the end of the 15th century.    It’s also possible to visit a small but interesting museum dedicated to the chestnut. There are various naturalistic excursions that nature lovers can take in the area, trekking, walking or mountain biking.  Case Fascei (1274 meters above sea level) can be reached going up from the village. This is a genuine Summer district, historically used by the shepherds. Still walking up, there is the higher Via dei Monti Liguri, the mountain road of the Liguria mountains, and Mount Monega, the Garezzo Hill and the Melosa Hill can be reached.     .   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=8c406154-3aec-4679-a5d8-8d2efb6724a8&pageid=page1 Taking a left at the crossroads just a little before the border with France leads to Olivetta San Michele. The village dominates a valley full of olive groves and it is divided into two parts: Olivetta, the municipality facing the Bevera valley and the two hamlets of San Michele and Fanghetto which face the Roja valley. Many Dutch people bought the old houses here and remodeled them and just like Airole, in Summer, the number of foreigners is more than double the locals.  In the past, smugglers (locally called passeurs in French) were quite active in taking illegal aliens of all ethnic groups across the border to France from the countryside surrounding Olivetta San Michele. However, the path they used the most was the one crossing the Passo della Morte (Death Pass) above Mentone, beyond the Cornà Pass. These border territories can be best understood by reading the novels written by Francesco Biamonti, especially ’Vento Largo’ which narrates the story of Varì, a farmer who has quit cultivating his lands because burnt by the frost and so barren. Sabèl, a restless and troubled young lady, convinces him to become a “passeur”.   Briga and Tenda, in the French Roja valley, can be reached from Olivetta. These two villages once belonged to Italy but became French territory following Italy’s defeat in WWII. The renowned Meraviglie valley (Valley of Wonders) is also in France, with its famous Mount Bego rock paintings. Olivetta San Michele is the only Liguria municipality officially belonging to the Occitan language minority..   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=7e6ae1e5-ac13-443c-8250-2882d1782337&pageid=page1 Ospedaletti, in a small temperate bay between Capo Sant’Ampelio and Capo Nero, is quieter and less worldly than Sanremo and Bordighera. The first Italian casino was inaugurated in 1886 in Villa Sultana and it was famous among the aristocracy and upper middle classes of all Europe. It is situated in Regina Margherita Avenue and its three cupolas surrounded by plants recall the splendor of the past. According to accounts by Mario Calvino, an internationally acclaimed agronomist from Sanremo and father of the author Italo, it seems the first flower market of the entire Riviera was opened right here in Ospedaletti in 1874. The New Zealander author Katherine Mansfield, an important guest of the town, describes Ospedaletti: “The weather is marvelous. I can see people swimming from the house and the water is so transparent that you can see their arms and legs, almost even their toes. This house is like that of a fairy. It is an adorable place to live and my visit to Ospedaletti is delightful. It is the ideal place to recover my health”. The author stayed at the Deerholm Home in Ospedaletti in the early 20th century. Besides the two Saracen towers, you can also visit the Saint Erasmus Church, dedicated to this patron saint of sailors, built around the 1300s by the Knights of Malta who were shipwrecked there and who also founded a hospice, thus the name Ospedaletti (Little Hospitals). The church is on Roma Street; a section of which runs through the historical center, where various shops are found. A small downhill road is at the end of Roma Street and leads to the lovely little piazza of Saint John the Baptist, where there is the parish church also dedicated to Saint John, built in the early 19th century. Ospedaletti offers more of a closer and intense contact with nature than other towns on the Riviera: relaxation and peacefulness are guaranteed especially if you choose to walk up the mule trails with the sea that slowly disappears but at the same time se... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=6dd4168d-7697-46e2-99c5-7fa33c05cd5f&pageid=page1 The village of Perinaldo is situated in a splendid and panoramic position in the Crosia valley at about 1876 feet above sea level, among olive groves and thick vegetation. The ancient name ‘Podium Rainaldi’ comes from the feoffee Count Rinaldo of Ventimiglia. The village then passed under the dominion of the Dorias. The main economic activities in Perinaldo are farming (a typical violet artichoke is farmed here) and tourism. There are various architectonical sites to see in the historic center, among the narrow streets that lead to picturesque and typical small piazzas. Let’s begin with the parish church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, dated the 15th century, but restructured in the 17th century. Inside the church there are lovely black stone columns and an original wooden crucifix dated the 15th century. From here you can go up towards a characteristic small piazza where you can see the ruins of the ancient castle, destroyed by the Genoa invaders. The Sanctuary of the Visitation (17th century) is also interesting to visit. Penitents used to come here in the past to pay for their sins: they remained on their knees on prickly corn kernels spread out at the entrance of the sanctuary, from dusk till dawn. The City Hall is hosted in the ancient convent of Saint Sebastian (17th century) and here you can also find the Astronomy Observatory (with a the telescope that has a Newton reflector with a lens of about 15 inches, allowing to see planets magnified up to 500X), the Napoleonic Musuem and the Cassini Museum. The Cassini Museum is dedicated to the great astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini (1625-1712) who was born in Perinaldo. Cassini was the first to observe 4 of Saturn’s 17 moons, the division in its rings (called the Cassini Division), the distance from Earth of the closest planets and the rotating time for Mars, Venus and Jupiter on their axis. He worked in France for many years after having been invited there by Louis the 14th the ‘Sun King’... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=383a2cea-6cb5-4215-b349-15694e70a163&pageid=page1 Pietrabruna is on a crest in the higher San Lorenzo valley at the foot of Mount Faudo. It is a lovely village dating back to the Middle Ages with a characteristic maze of narrow streets, covered walkways, slate architraves. Its name comes from the stone with which the village was built. The atmosphere of the village is best appreciated by walking. Visitors should leave their cars at the entrance of the village and go down the narrow streets, up to the Neoclassic parish church dedicated to Saint Matthew; built on the site of a more ancient church of which some ruins are still visible. The Oratory of the Annunciation and at the cemetery, the ancient church of Saint Gregory (11th century) are also interesting sites to visit. Pietrabruna used to be known for its lavender cultivations. The violet-blue fields with the intense perfume invading the entire countryside used to be a sight to see and smell in Summer, during blossoming time. However, things have changed now also due to an incurable disease affecting the plants. Only some abandoned bushes remain here and there and, in the Rocca area, there are some historical stills used to distill the lavender. Today farmers mainly grow anemones in their hothouses. As elsewhere, the olive is the main protagonist of the local economy. A gastronomic specialty is the stroscia: a type of sweet pie prepared with extra virgin olive oil.  On a curious note: Francesco Biamonti, the author who more than anyone succeeded in describing the quick and traumatic abandonment of the farmlands in extreme western Liguria, chose Pietrabruna (the name, if not exactly the village) to set one of his most beautiful novels ‘Attesa sul Mare’ (Waiting on the Sea) [Unofficial translation].   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=f21e6694-912f-421e-b253-4f2171dd4681&pageid=page1 Pieve di Teco is in the Arroscia valley inland Imperia along highway 28 and it is a strategic linking point because at the center of the ‘salt roads’ between Liguria and Piedmont. During the course of its long history, it was an important junction for trade and business activities. It is an artisan production center producing leather, paper, soap and rope goods, among others. The village exists since the 12th century, an ancient feud of the Clavesanas which fell under the dominion of the Republic of Genoa in 1385, as an outpost against the Savoys. Actually its origins go back even farther, maybe as a Byzantine military settlement, where its name probably originates from (‘Teichos’ referring to the primitive castle which once stood here is an ancient Greek word meaning: ‘defense wall’). Walking through the historical center is pleasant on the main road under the ancient and picturesque late medieval porticos which are still animated by shops and old crafts shops. The shop windows nicely exhibit the typical products from Ormeasco wine from the nearby Pornassio to the extra virgin olive oil of the Arroscia valley and the fine garlic from Vessalico. This used to be the higher class residential area. Some historical and artistic monuments are also interesting to see such as the church of Our Lady of Ripa, dated the 15th century but built on a more ancient site, probably the old church around which the village developed. Not too far away, there is the 17th century Oratory of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Sebastian. A must see is also the former convent of the Augustinians (15th century) and its 24 octagonal columns with inside the largest cloister in western Liguria; the parish church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, built between 1782 and 1806 on the ruins of a medieval church and which has a noteworthy wooden sculpture group from the 17th century school of Maragliano, and at last but not least, the Civic Theater, set up in a wing of the large f... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=d7dbfbcc-2049-4937-96c7-38ef7ef1e99f&pageid=page1 Pigna, an important medieval village in the higher Nervia valley is well worth the visit. Founded by the Counts of Ventimiglia in the 11th century as an outpost in the valley, it was near the dominions of the Republic of Genoa, which the nearby and enemy village of Castelvittorio belonged to. It was then dominated by the Counts of d’Angiò and of Provence, then by the Republic of Genoa and finally by the Savoys. Maybe an initial inhabited area was situated at a lower altitude, near the road taking to the Gouta gorge, where there are the stone ruins with the wide arcades of the Gothic church of Saint Thomas. The name Pigna (‘pine cone’) is not a random choice: walled in, taking a defensive position to protect its stone houses built in concentric rings and cut perpendicularly by the breathtaking steep narrow streets, it looks like a pine cone holding its pine nuts tight. It has many artistic and architectonical beauties to see. One of these is the lovely parish church of Saint Michael (15th century on a nucleus of the 13th century) in Piazza Vecchia with its white marble rose window by Giovanni Gaggini (15th century) on the façade. The church has one nave and two aisles with pointed arches supported by black stone columns. At the end of the presbytery you can see the 36 panels of the polyptych ‘Saint Michael and Other Saints’ created by Giovanni Canavesio, a famous artist from Piedmont who worked in the second half of the 15th century in western Liguria and the Maritime Alps. Frescos by the same artist representing the ‘Passion of Christ’ and the ‘Last Judgement’ can be admired in the Romanesque church of Saint Bernard, inside the cemetery. Rumor has it that besides being the main representative of a refined popular mountain art, Canavesio da Pinerolo also fathered various children in the valley, even though he was a priest. The Ethnographic Museum of Agriculture Civilization in Piazza XX Settembre is also a must see. The objects on exhibit here belonged to... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=0cdacdc1-74b5-44f3-aee4-821684bff813&pageid=page1 Pompeiana seems to have Roman origins. Tradition has it that the name derives from Pompeo Magno. In the Argentina valley, Pompeiana and Terzorio were a part of the Villaregia and Lengueglia territories in the Middle Ages. Floriculture represents the main economic activity (the lavender is particularly perfumed). The beautiful Panei Tower with its round base (16th century) like others was built to watch out for pirates and inside there is a small and interesting Ethnographic Museum of Material Culture (open during the Summer). You can see farming and home utensils used during the 19th century (a shoemakers sewing machine (machine da chixe du scarpà); a coffee maker (maxinin du café); goat’s leather used to preserve oil (pele de crava); a bedside table (ghirindun); a nutcracker (sciacanuge) and a ball used for the ancient game of pallapugno, a sort of handball). There is also a photographic archive of farming activities with images of the emigrants, festivals and local personalities. The Museum is a little ways outside of the village and you can get there by taking the ancient mule trail. A plaque says ‘From this ancient tower on the night of August 20th 1563 the men of Pompeiana resisted the barbarian pirate attack by Ulugh Alì, Dragut’s lieutenant, to defend their village’. You can see the isolated Panei Tower, which still seems to be scrutinizing the sea, from the square of the Romanesque parish church of Saint Mary Assumption (rebuilt in the 17th century). The Barbarasa district is a must see with its quadrangular tower and stone homes with support arches that unite them. Among the events, food lovers will enjoy the many food shows during the Summer. In July there is a mussel fest and a ravioli fest and in August a squid fest and a gnocchi (potato dumplings) fest. You can walk to the Chapel of Saint Bernard from Pompiana, the Saint Salvatore Pass above Pietrabruna, the Mounts Faudo and Follia mountainsides and, about 6 miles from Pompiana, the Ve... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=ddf5effd-f52d-4ba9-bdeb-f5c8b0c51d1d&pageid=page1 Pontedassio is along highway 28 which from Imperia leads to the inland. It is an important and characteristic medieval village with a lovely historical center where you can walk down the narrow streets, vaulted walkways and hidden small piazzas. Its name originates from an ancient plank bridge (ponte = bridge and asse = plank) which no longer exists that was near a stone mill. The village was in the past and still is an important olive oil production center.  The parish church of Saint Marguerite is interesting. It was rebuilt in the 19th century and conserves a beautiful triptych dated 1503. The buildings with the most historical interest can be seen on the current Garibaldi Street.  On a curious note: towards the end of Garibaldi Street, near the torrent, there is still the home of the Agnesi family, famous Italian pasta producers, who, at the beginning of the 19th century, had its first wheat mill here.  Visiting the Pontedassio surrounding area you can see the Saint Lucia Tower and the ruins of the Bestagno Castle (12th-13th century) destroyed by the Spanish during the first half of the 17th century.  There are also other two historical constructions near Pontedassio: Villa Guardia where you can see the Church of Our Lady of the Snows dated 1590 and Villa Viani with a monumental complex including the parish church (17th century) and Oratory (1770).    http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=a4d6fbad-7997-4451-bae8-07ba3239a4e7&pageid=page1 Six hamlets make up the village of Pornassio in the Arroscia valley. They are spread out in a nice and steep hilly territory, exposed to the sun among the olive groves and vineyards. The hamlets, connected by the ancient Salt Road, are San Luigi (home of the City Hall), Ponti di Pornassio, Villa, Case Rosse, Ottano and Nava. Remember that we are in the heart of the ormeasca grape farmlands, the grapes producing an excellent high quality red wine, the Ormeasco DOC of Pornassio, a type of Dolcetto grapevine. There are various historical-artistic sights to see in the area among which the Castle of Pornassio near the hamlet of Villa. The Castle was contended for years because of its strategic position between the Republic of Genoa and the Savoys. It underwent various extensions and rebuilding in the centuries but it still preserves a part built in the 16th century. Another interesting sight is the parish church of Saint Dalmazzo in Villa, with a beautiful 15th century façade and inside a polyptych attributed to Canavesio and a 12th century bell tower. The author and director Mario Soldati was in awe of the area and wrote a series of short stories describing Liguria called ‘Regione Regina’ ([The Queen Region] published by Laterza in 1987): “The landscape is decisively Alpine. Steep mountainsides all around, with woodlands or meadows and ridges coming close to or touching two thousand meters above sea level. But the central bowl, with its very high Romanesque bell tower, is maybe the most spectacular and original wine-producing landscape that I have ever seen in my life. Everything is compressed in a strip of two hundred meters between 450 and 650 meters above sea level: the extreme but also optimum limit, at our latitudes, for the quality of the grapes and wine. […] If you think about the vast and flat circumvolutions of the vineyards on the Veneto, Tuscany and Piedmont hills, the Pornassio valley bowl suggests something more vigorous, more alive, someth... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=addeb0b8-ceac-44f8-8d7a-c496370de65e&pageid=page1  Prelà, in the Prino Valley, is a nice medieval village, made up of more hamlets. The main hamlet is Molini, on the Prino torrent. Differently from the other valleys in western Liguria, this one distinguishes itself for a diffused and marked fragmentation of small villages (sometimes even just a handful of homes belonging to only one family group). This is the case probably because here the territory did not undergo a strong centralizing force. Prelà has a long sequence of passing from one influence to another. It first gravitated around the Counts of Ventimiglia, then the Grimaldi family, then the County of Tenda, the Dorias of Genoa and in 1575 the Savoys.   Olive tree cultivation is a very important tradition here and you could fine olive mills and presses already in the 1400s. The village has a beautiful late Gothic parish church dedicated to Saint John of the Tangle, in the Molini locality. The church is dated late 15th century and it has a beautiful frescoed porch dated 1552. Inside there is a polyptych  (Saint Sebastian and the Saints) also dated the middle of the 16th century. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=7de3d184-5597-4a60-8f13-5f033aec42ab&pageid=page1 Ranzo, in the Arroscia valley, borders with the Province of Savona. Historical links with this territory near Albenga are very strong. Ranzo also has a long history: until the 14th century the village was under the dominion of the Clavesanas; it then became a Del Carretto marquises’ possession and finally it passed under the control of the Republic of Genoa. There are some interesting buildings to visit, such as the baroque parish church of Saint Donato; the ancient church of Saint Pantaleo (15th century) and the Oratory of Our Lady of the Vineyards with a lovely polyptych dated the 16th century. You can also still see the ruins of the medieval Clavesanas castle.  Ranzo is renowned for the cultivation of grapes and production of Pigato wine but economic activities also include the production of olive oil and the famous taggiasche olives. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=777cba39-b19c-49be-92fe-4dff537f0d47&pageid=page1 Rezzo, in the Arroscia velley, is an evocatively beautiful ancient medieval village. It’s set in a natural landscape which has almost kept intact in time. The Rezzo Woods is above the village beginning at about 29553 ft above sea level and it is well-known because of its vast extension and beech trees. This six hundred hectare woods is considered the largest in Liguria. Continuing up the mountain, you can reach a panoramic point with great impact: the Teglia Pass (about 4550 ft above sea level). The medieval village was a Clavesanas dominion then passed under the control of the Pallavicinis from Genoa. Beginning in the 14th century, Genoa wanted to maintain control of Rezzo to defend the valley from the expansionistic policy of the Savoys. The Piemontese destroyed the ancient Clavesanas’ castle (12th century) in 1672 however two towers and a section of the walls are still visible. Another castle the Clavesanas built in the 1600s is still standing. The parish church of Saint Martin the Bishop (17th century) is interesting to see with its large black stone baptismal font. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sepulcher is a monumental and environmental must-see about a mile from the center of the village. It is on a hillock dominating the valley. The Romanesque construction is dated 1400: externally there is a lovely portico and a bell tower with mullioned windows. Internally there are various works of art among which a double series of sculpted quire stalls dated 15th century, a cycle of frescos with Scenes from the Life of Christ by Pietro Guido from Ranzo, dated 1515, and a lovely marble sculpture group on the high altar (17th century), an important work by the artist Filippo Parodi from Genoa. A visit to the parish church of the Assumption is worth the visit in the hamlet of Cènova. It is dated the 15th century but was remodeled in a baroque style in the late 17th century. Finally, there is the small but picturesque sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows (18th c... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=b34d65e4-e9ec-4631-a91e-a7490753fe31&pageid=page1 Riva Ligure is a beautiful maritime village situated on the coast. During the course of years it was contested between Santo Stefano and Taggia. It’s not easy to understand where Riva ends and where Santo Stefano begins because the two villages are attached to each other. However, the border is marked by a sign right where the Santa Caterina canal flows.  Riva Ligure is prettier by the sea; towards the inland it is crowded with apartment buildings and flower hothouses. A sign towards the higher part of the village indicates a walking and biking trail  leading to the stupendous Romanesque church of Saint Maurice, today the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Council. After about 328 ft, on the other side of the bike trail, there is a short pebbled mule track and the church is at the end of this track on the right. It is surrounded by hothouses and flower gardens that you can see close up. The tomb of Francesco Pastonchi (1874-1953), a famous author and local journalist, is near an olive tree in the gracious garden surrounding the church. Near the marina, you can take a walk on the promenade, under the shade of the palm trees or admire the watch tower built in the year 1500. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=7eff5816-10dc-40c3-9c08-884b0c743712&pageid=page1 Ancient exposed stone houses locked together, narrow streets and small piazzas, all surrounded by craggy hills with woods and olive groves: this is the magical environmental context of Rocchetta Nervina, in the Nervia valley. It is one of the most charming medieval villages of the western Liguria inland. The village is in a dominant position at the confluence of the Coe and  Barbària torrents. There are also some little lakes here where people can swim in summer. Mount Abellio, sacred to the Celts, is at the top of the valley. The village has a long history; first under the Ventimiglias’ dominion it then passed to the Dorias in 1342. It often had turbulent moments because at the center of conflict between the Republic of Genoa and the Savoys. A must see is the parish church of Saint Steven (dated 16th century) with a lovely portal and two medieval humpbacked bridges. There are various excursion itineraries around Rocchetta Nervina, set in an uncontaminated landscape, among which the nearby Colla Pass (about 1555 ft above sea level). Remember that in this area we are at the junction between the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri and the Balcone path; the natural extension of the  Balcon de la Côte d'Azur on the Imperia side. This itinerary is not always well marked and it is 60 kilometers long (about 37 miles) with a maximum distance of 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) from the coast. You can follow the wooden signs and the red and white trail signs from the Cornà Pass (on the border) to Baiardo, sleeping at Torri, Rocchetta Nervina, Apricale or Perinaldo. With respect to the Alta Via, the Balcone path is near the residential areas where it is easier to find accommodations.  Food lovers shouldn’t miss the goat meat and beans food show, usually in July in Rocchetta.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=ef218512-841c-446b-8c5a-73a32bc14697&pageid=page1 San Bartolomeo al Mare is on the coast in a sunny position and it is the second most important municipality in the Diano area with the second largest in population, following Diano Marina. It is in the lower part of the Steria valley and its territory is made up of three hamlets: San Bartolomeo, Pairola and Chiappa. Together with its neighboring villages, San Bartolomeo al Mare was also a dominion of the Clavesanas in the past and then belonged to the Del Carrettos from Finale and finally passed under the control of the Republic of Genoa. During the 15th century, together with Cervo and Diano, it constituted a small naval fleet to defend its products from the raids of the Saracen pirates. This sea village along the Aurelia Road underwent the extensive urban development of vacation homes in the second half of the 20th century but on the other side of the rail tracks, it still has parts of its characteristic and cozy medieval historic center. The silence and calm of ancient San Bartolomeo can best be experienced by visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rovere, the sessile oak which grew abundantly in the area, in the village that has the same name. It is a lovely late medieval complex, expanded and rebuilt during the 16th and 17th centuries. It has a neoclassic façade. It has a nave and two aisles and inside there is a 16th century painted panel of ‘Our Lady and Child’. Every year during the first days of February there is the Fiera della Rovere, Sessile Oak Festival, in the area surrounding the sanctuary. This is a crafts, art and antique fair and one of the most ancient in western Liguria. You can walk among the various stands and buy typical local farm products, crafts and antiques. Some archeological excavations have found important evidence of the Roman period in this area; various ceramic artifacts were found. The atmosphere in this part of the village is truly suggestive and it seems as though time has stopped even though we are not too distant from... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=d6ce370c-118d-4ab9-88f6-dafad35b7884&pageid=page1 San Biagio della Cima, in the Crosia valley, sits in a lovely sunny position: it is the village of roses and mimosas. The village already existed in the Roman period but first historical documentation dates back to the second half of the 13th century. San Biagio was under the territorial dominion of the county of Ventimiglia until the end of the 17th century. It proclaimed its independence in 1686 asking the Republic of Genoa for protection and together with other seven villages of the district constituted the Magnifica Comunità degli Otto Luoghi, Magnificent Community of the Eight Villages. A must see is the parish church of Saints Sebastian and Fabian with an elliptical layout. Inside there is a beautiful wooden statue of Saint Sebastian by Maragliano, among other art works. Besides floriculture, the San Biagio della Cima surrounding area is famous for the vineyards and the production of the Rossese wine. However, the village is also remembered because the author Francesco Biamonti was born here in 1928 and here he lived until his death in 2001. His first novel ‘L’angelo di Avrigue’ was published by Einaudi in 1983, highly promoted by Italo Calvino. Other important novels followed this debut, all published by the prestigious Einaudi publishing house of Turin: ‘Vento Largo’ (1991), ‘Attesa sul Mare’ (1994) and ‘Le Parole la Notte’ (1998). Francesco Biamonti was a great narrator of the western Liguria landscape, poised between the shadows of the inland and the blinding light of the sea. He had a special ability in intensely narrating the tormented soul of the olive civilization and the villages dug in the rocks, sitting on top of the hills: this emblematic Liguria, a metaphor of the human condition, in a transformation process from an important past and a still unsure, confused future. He writes in ‘Attesa sul Mare’ (Waiting on the Sea): “He wasn’t too convinced when he returned. He had the impression of having approached a dead world; dead like the soul... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=c157341a-2a40-49da-826b-f1947904095c&pageid=page1  San Lorenzo al Mare is a small maritime village that still has the ancient fishermen’s houses among its narrow streets and small piazzas. Some vacation home condominiums have been built near the sea and even though they are well kept, they rob the village of its original charm. In the winter, the village almost seems as a ghost town but in the summer it is full of tourists and sea enthusiasts, as are Riva Ligure and Santo Stefano. It has two small pedestrian historic centers each with a different past: the first was a dominion of Porto Maurizio while the second was a feud of both the Lengueglias and the Villareggias. The Saracens, with their pillaging and raids, united the two medieval villages and their history in the 16th century. A lovely walkway begins from the ancient houses facing the sea towards the west and runs along the pebbled beaches with the many maritime pine trees, aloe and tamarisk plants. At a certain point, the walkway meets with the bike track that arrives all the way to Sanremo going through Santo Stefano, Riva Ligure and Arma di Taggia. After having gone through a long tunnel, where the train once passed, you are immerged in a landscape perched over the sea, uniquely beautiful, where the agaves point right to the sky.  There is a brand new promenade on the eastern side that leads to the San Lorenzo marina, the new tourist harbor. The medieval church dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, situated in a lovely little piazza, is a must see. The church was rebuilt in the baroque style. According to legend, Mary Magdalene passed by here while escaping the Holy Land. Another interesting site is the Oratory of Mercy, dated the 13th century.  As the sun is about to disappear, it’s nice to just sit at one of the cafes in front of the sea to have a drink watching the sunset, sometimes even in winter because of the mild temperatures.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=b801edc4-c196-4717-a975-7f59efc8b155&pageid=page1 Sanremo is situated in the large temperate bay between Capo Verde and Capo Nero. The hills climbing steeply up to Mount Bignone protect it. One of the most beautiful panoramas of extreme western Liguria can be seen from Mount Bignone. Sanremo is famous for its Song Contest festival, attracting millions of spectators yearly, but it is also known as the Flower City. The international elite became interested in Sanremo as a vacation destination already in the second half of the 19th century and it still has villas and hotels surrounded by the lush parks with all types of plants and trees, not only Mediterranean vegetation. Villa Nobel, the home where the Swedish inventor of dynamite died in 1890, is just outside of the center on Cavallotti Avenue. In his will he instituted the famous foundation that every year awards scientists, authors, economists and political figures with the prestigious Nobel Prize. There are other extraordinary gardens on Cavallotti Avenue such as Villa Ormond, Villa Zirio and Palazzo Bellevue, the current seat of the City Hall. The first to choose Sanremo as a high society tourism destination were the British, followed by the Germans, the Dutch and the Russians. Among the renowned guests of the city we can mention the czarina Maria Alexandrovna, empress of Russia, who arrived by train a year after the opening of the railroad line, in 1847. Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm the Third of Prussia chose Sanremo as an ideal vacation spot in 1887 and stayed at Villa Zirio. The Flower City continued to be an attraction for the international elite at least until the 1960s. There are pictures that document the presence of personalities such as Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Robert Mitchum, Rita Hayworth, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and the Italian Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. Even though urban transformation and time have compromised the physiognomy of the city, it is still pos... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=85e67bba-f138-45e5-b8f5-b3ff170c8a6d&pageid=page1  The sunny and quiet medieval village of Santo Stefano al Mare is set on the coast and the main economic activities are tourism and floriculture. The City Hall has been hosted in the Santo Stefano bastion since 1987. The bastion is a historical and original polygonal tower which was built in the second half of the 16th century to protect the territory from the dangerous raids by pirates. Until the 19th century, the tower was equipped with cannons. The parish church, dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr  is a medieval church rebuilt in the 1700s. It still has the stone columns and the lancet arches of the nave of the morre ancient Benedictine abbey (dated the 12th century).  Another historical monument worth mentioning is the Oratory of Holy Christ (16th century) where among other things you can see a wooden crucifix (15th century), according to legend miraculous, and a valuable painted wooden panel attributed to Ludovico Brea dated 1490.  The business center of the village, Roma Street, is a typical narrow street with historical buildings and picturesque covered walkways leading to the promenade where there are typical restaurants serving fresh fish dishes. Santo Stefano al Mare is crossed by the Area 24 bike trail and like in all the villages on the sea in the area you can rent any kind of bike you wish. The modern tourist harbor, Marina degli Aregai, one of the largest and better equipped of Liguria, is at the eastern end of the village.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=d4ad6da1-cbf8-42ce-8942-5ad2fbe259fc&pageid=page1 The ancient village of Seborga exists at least beginning from 954 AD and it is in the Bordighera inland. It is one of the most well-known and visited historical villages also due to its claim of independence from Italy by Prince Giorgio I (a symbolic title with no legal functions) followed at his death in 2009 by Marcello I. The film director and artistic director Pepi Morgia, a resident of the village and friend of the singer-songwriter Fabrizio De Andrè, was also a candidate for the position. Seborga has a council composed of nine ministers. It seems more of a publicity stunt even though some say that Seborga has good reason to want to become an independent principality, like San Marino. The great historical figures had forgotten all about Seborga and had never inserted it in any lists: not even in 1861 when all the former states that were going to form Italy were registered. Seborga has never been a quiet little village: legend has it that it was founded by Cathars, a heretical movement and that the Templars also passed by here. But that’s not all: during the second half of the 17th century, the Benedictine monks instituted an independent mint here which was then abolished by the King of France Louis XIV. It seems they had conceded the contract of the mint to a Huguenot from Nimes and the King did not appreciate their decision. But Giorgio I set things straight and on April 23rd 1995, reopened the mint and started making coins the luigini that are worth 6 dollars. This production has generated interest and curiosity especially among coin collectors. Driver’s licenses and passports are also issued. The Mint (Palazzo dei Monaci) is in the main piazza, an ancient stone building with porticos. The lovely Church of Saint Martin (17th century) with frescos decorating the façade, is on the left. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=1ad11b84-8a90-4eef-ad86-d1b20da19d30&pageid=page1 Soldano, in the Crosia valley, is inland Bordighera and it is famous above all for its vineyards (this is the reign of the legendary Rossese from Dolceacqua DOC wine). It is also famous for its mimosas, roses, brooms and naturally olive groves. The ancient village of Soldano developed along the Verbone torrent probably in the late Middle Ages founded by coastal inhabitants forced to defend themselves from the constant raids of the Saracen pirates. The ruins of the fortified gates are still visible. The Baroque parish church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist situated in a long piazza is interesting to visit. It has two loggias on its sides and inside a lovely 16th century polyptych representing Saint John the Baptist, recently restored. The Oratory of Saint John the Evangelist is also worth mentioning, built in the 15th century with a lovely slate portal dated the end of the 16th century. Getting lost in the narrow streets of Soldano is an experience which takes back to an extinct world, a world that will never come back again, as the author Francesco Biamonti said once. Biamonti loved going to Soldano, a few miles from his home in San Biagio della Cima, to drink a glass of red wine or eat a dish of ravioli with thyme in the small taverns of the village. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=2d311d54-8cd7-4e4b-990b-8f6da2e1ec9b&pageid=page1 Around the year 1000, Taggia was an independent municipality with its own counsels and laws but it was bought by the Republic of Genoa in 1288 and then annexed to the Savoyard state of Sardinia-Piedmont. Taggia is situated between Arma and the Argentina valley, an excellent base for excursions to Triora or Montalto, among the most beautiful medieval villages in western Liguria. The historical center of Taggia is one of the biggest and richest in history in all Liguria, it’s a shame that in the 20th century urban development went wild and a lot of condominiums were built. Its ancient history can be seen on Soleri Street, with the aristocratic palazzos facing the street. The porticos are also very interesting and often host antique or crafts stands. Another interesting medieval street is San Dalmazzo Street with its slate portals sculpted with the coat of arms of the noble families. Unfortunately, Palazzo Spinola in Curlo Street, which hosted His Royal Highness Don Felipe Infante of Spain and Napoleon, is still dilapidated while part of the lovely Palazzo Lercari in Piazza Farini, today an exhibition gallery, has been remodeled and restored. Some sections of the walls of Taggia have been conserved with the bastions from which the people of Taggia spied the horizon and the pirate ships. To watch over souls, the Dominicans built one of the most beautiful convents of the Region (1460-1490) near the sea and surely the most impressive monumental complex of all of western Liguria. Inside the church there are the ‘Polyptych of Our Lady of Mercy and Saints’ (1488), ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’ (1512-1513) by Ludovico Brea and the painting ‘Crucifixion and Saints’ (1492) by Giovanni Canavesio. There is a very tall palm tree in the center of the cloister and an olive tree recalls that the Argentina valley is the valley of the taggiasca olive, an olive which is famous all over the world. It was imported by the Benedictine monks that built the splendid Romanesque church o... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=c81051fb-3243-4123-81b2-3bf3904c5f46&pageid=page1 The ancient village of Terzorio, in the Argentina valley, already existed in the late Middle Ages; like Pompeiana and Castellaro, it was first a Villaregia feud and then annexed into the Republic of Genoa. Differently from the San Lorenzo valley, besides olive groves here you can find daisies carnations, roses, palm tree nurseries and lavender. Terzorio main piazza is at the top of the village with the parish church dedicated to the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (dated 1400 but then rebuilt during the Baroque period), the oratory and the municipal building.  Terzorio was attacked repeatedly by barbarian pirates. In fact there is an interesting watch tower built in 1500. If the pirates posed a danger, it received smoke signals from the nearby tower of Pompeiana, which had been warned by the tower situated at the Aregai. You can reach the lower part of the village by descending from the piazza via a long narrow street. After crossing a covered walkway, there is a stupendous panorama in front of you. There are flowers growing spontaneously such as the poet’s daffodil or the Italian bluebell among the olive trees.  The gastronomic specialty of Terzorio is the tortello, a variant of the typical vegetable pie, it is filled with spinach or Swiss chard, eggs, rice, cheese and oil.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=cf6353f4-d013-47f9-8d14-dfaa1a39ab8c&pageid=page1 Triora is famous above all for its bàgiue, witches, who towards the end of the 1500s met at the Cabotina, a picturesque place just outside of the village. They probably cured the ill with plants and herbs and were arrested in 1588 accused of the famine destroying the area. Thirteen women, four young girls and a boy were tortured and detained for months in the Triora prisons, charged with the then ignominious accusation of witchery. There was only one consolation: the conviction was revoked and the accusers were excommunicated, but five women died under torture. A curious Ethnographic and Witchery Museum recalls the incident. All of Triora should be visited to admire its medieval architecture with the numerous loggias, portals and porticos: the Fontana Soprana Gate; the church of Saint Dalmazio dated 13th century; the Collegiate of the Assumption built in the 18th century; the small church of Saint Bernardino dated the 15th century situated just outside of the village. The ruins of the castle at the top of the village in a panoramic position and naturally the Cabotina, recognizable because there is a plaque stating “Here the witches danced with the devil’, are interesting places to visit. The acclaimed bread from Triora is sold in the entire western Riviera and in Genoa. It remains fresh for a week; this characteristic was quite useful to the herders when they brought their animals to the higher mountains to graze. There is an impressive concrete bridge on the road from Triora to the Alpine villages of the higher valley. It was built in the 1950s and if you look over the railing 119 meters lower, you can see the waters of the Argentina River flowing to the sea. The peak of the highest mountain in Liguria, the Saccarello (2200 meters [about 7218 ft]) is near Triora. The left mountainside is in French territory. The view from the Maritime Alps is obviously stupendous and mountain biking is allowed up to the peak. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=075707ba-fb9f-420c-b342-44a3d4de0f18&pageid=page1 Vallebona, in the immediate Bordighera inland and surrounded by mimosa cultivations, is situated in the fertile and sunny valley of citrus trees.   In the past, the inhabitants distilled the flowers of the bitter orange tree to obtain the valuable Neroli oil used in perfumes. The name probably derives from Valle buona, good valley, due to its geographic position and the quality of the terrain fit for various types of cultivations such as citrus and olive trees. There is also a confectionary tradition in Vallebona which developed over time also due to a particular interweaving of Piedmontese and Occitan influences. This is the case of the "bruti boi" (better known as "brutti ma buoni", ugly but good, a type of biscuit), and the bugie, deep fried pastry, soaked with orange blossom water.  The history of this ancient village goes back to the Middle Ages. Vallebona gravitated around the affairs of the County of Ventimiglia and remained under this dominion until the 17th century when it passed under the control of the Republic of Genoa. With the rise of Napoleon, Vallebona also became a part of the pro-French Liguria Republic in 1815. After the fall of Napoleon, it passed on to the Kingdom of Sardinia and in 1861, to the Kingdom of Italy.   There are various valuable architectonical sights to see such as the parish church of Saint Lawrence, dated the 13th century and rebuilt in 1841. The church still has the 13th century stone bell tower. There is a lovely Late Gothic slate portal on the façade dated 1478. The Baroque oratory dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady is right near the church.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=97c4e037-9f9a-4340-8436-90b413b4909a&pageid=page1 It seems the name Vallecrosia means “short and narrow valley”. Another interpretation states the name derives from “valley of the crosia torrent”. The five towers, built in the past to sight pirates as in many other parts of the coast and inland, are the symbol of the village. In fact, the Saracens rages all over Liguria for centuries. Today, two of the towers remain: one situated inside the walls of the Convent of Saint Anne and the other along a road that runs from the sea to High Vallecrosia, the lovely medieval district. Another historically interesting building is the Church of Saint Rocco with a Romanesque apse dated the 11th century. An altar dedicated to Apollo was found near the church and was mounted into its external wall. The new section of the village, built near the sea, is mainly composed of buildings erected in the second half of the 20th century – the 1950s and 60s – in a period of “construction speculation”, as defined by the author from Sanremo Italo Calvino in a famous novel. The main economic activity is floriculture (there are many hothouses spread out around the area). The Song and Sound Reproduction Musuem of Vallecrosia is quite interesting and it is along the road leading to Soldano and Perinaldo. On exhibit are the thousands of collector’s items that Erio Tripodi, the founder, gathered in his life. Tripodi was born in Mentone in 1938 from a family originally from Calabria and already at a young age, he began buying records, gramophones, mementos connected with Italian pop music, musical instruments. He collected so much - about 300,000 scores and 100,000 records - that he set up the museum. He inaugurated this museum in 1988 in the presence of Luciano Pavarotti. The museum is set in three period rail wagons placed in the courtyard of his restaurant. This original museum can be visited upon request. Erio’s grandfather was an orchestra conductor and he himself was a friend of the Italian singer Claudio Villa. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=d31d7092-50df-4a9e-99de-6ccd63b20cc5&pageid=page1 Vasia, in the Prino valley, is in the Imperia inland and surrounded by a charming landscape full of woodlands, olive groves and vineyards. Excursions and relaxing walks in the midst of nature are possible in this area. There are various hillside excursions but also more challenging ones. There is also the possibility of horse riding in the woods or bike riding along the path connecting Vasia to the hamlet of  Pantasina.   During the course of its long history, this medieval village was first a feud of the Ventimiglias then of the Lascaris family and at the end of the Savoys. There are various interesting historical and artistic sights such as the parish church of Saint Anthony the Abbot, originally medieval and then reconstructed in the Baroque period. It has a 49 meter high (161 ft) bell tower built in the 19th century and it the highest point of the valley. The Oratory of the Immaculate Conception is near the church and it was designed by Filippo Marvaldi and built in the 17th century. The Church of Saint Martin is in Pianavia; it has a lovely Romanesque bell tower and it is believed to be the most ancient monastic center of the Prelà valley. According to legend, the Benedictines introduced olive cultivation from here. The fine country church dedicated to Saint Anne is also an interesting sight to visit with its lovely lateral portal, beautiful portico and local stone rose window in the apse.   A visit to the various olive mills in the valley is interesting; not only can you buy extra virgin olive oil but you can see how it is produced. The road leading to Imperia is on a crest dominating the surrounding valleys, the villages immerged in the olive groves and the sanctuaries.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=9ae4b69f-cfa4-4761-a2b2-87d518519844&pageid=page1 It was called "Albintimilium" and it was an important city already in Roman times, as the theater with seating for 5000 spectators (1st - 2nd century AD), the ruins of the thermal baths and some houses demonstrate. Along the centuries, Ventimiglia, situated in a strategic border zone, was often the stage of heated battles due to the aggressive and contrasting expansion policies of the Piedmontese, the French and the Genoa Republic. “Yonder, Monaco seemed a half-spent brazier. Two beacons responded to each other towards Marseilles […]. From the surrounding indistinct things rained down a gentleness that choked me” [Unofficial translation], these are the words used to describe the area by Camillo Sbarbaro, the poet from Liguria, a friend of Eugenio Montale. France is very near Ventimiglia and has always had a strong magnetic pull with its lights, casinos and social life. But the French have been going to Ventimiglia for years now to shop; going into the shops or browsing the market stands they buy Made in Italy goods at more convenient prices. The city is cut in two by the mouth of the Roja River, which has become a naturalistic oasis in the last few years: swans swim in its clear waters also in winter. A walk bridge crosses the Roja: the historic center that conserves unique art treasures and in part hidden ones is on the left bank. Set on a hillock, it is the richest medieval centre along with Albenga, after Genoa. There is a Romanesque cathedral on Garibaldi Street. The polygonal baptistery is behind the church and was built in 1100. The simple and austere late Romanesque central baptismal font attracts attention. Walking on down the street you come across the Parliament Loggia (or Merchants loggia) dated 14th – 15th century with a double Gothic arch and on the southern side of the street, Palazzo Vescovile with the 14th century wooden panel painting ‘Madonna with Child and Angels’ by Barnaba da Modena. The Aprosiana Library, founded in... http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=99a263a4-4d0d-4575-852e-d74447fe8b7c&pageid=page1  Vessalico is an ancient and quiet hillside village in the Arroscia valley. It was a Clavesanas feud and then sold to the Republic of Genoa in 1386.  The area is covered with olive groves and vineyards. Vessalico is above all known for its garlic production. A trade fair is dedicated to this bulb in the month of July, a tradition going back to the 15th century. The Vessalico white garlic has recently been certified by the European Union.  There are some interesting historical monuments to see such as the Baroque church of Saint Mary Magdalene, the Romanesque church of Saint Andrew and the 18th century Oratory of the Visitation also known as the Oratory of Our Lady of the Bridge. http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=23dc1741-1c6b-4e3a-ab2f-0e55395361f3&pageid=page1 Villa Faraldi, in the Cervo valley, is an ancient village surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. These grow in the characteristic “terraces” (a method of farming on hilly land with containment walls). In fact, extra virgin olive oil (beginning at least from the 15th century) and two excellent wines: Pigato and Vermentino, are produced here. Three hamlets make up Villa Faraldi: Deglio Faraldi, Riva Faraldi and Tovo Faraldi. The village was first a Clavesanas’ feud and then in the 13th century it passed to the Republic of Genoa. Taking a walk down its typical narrow streets, stairways and covered walkways among the stone houses is very picturesque. The parish church is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. It was originally built in the 13th century but was rebuilt various times, especially in the Baroque period. The Neoclassic façade was completed in the 19th century.   http://www.visitrivieradeifiori.it/?itemid=2b48465d-fddf-4b76-b058-166bc377cd10&pageid=page1