Thanks to its rich past and its enchanting landscapes, Dolceacqua is one of the essential pearls of the Italian Riviera. This village will make you travel through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the trails bordered by the famous transalpine olive trees.
If your summer getaway leads you to Ventimille or San Remo, let yourself be tempted by a small foray into the Italian hinterland. Only 52 minutes from Nice by car, Dolceacqua is revealed to you, nestled in the heart of the Nervia valley.
This commune, among the most emblematic of the Alps Ligures, owes a part of its history to the counts of Ventimille who, from the 12th century, built the first foundations of the castle. Subsequently, the powerful Genoese family Doria marked the evolution of the city.
Over time, the city has developed and ended up splitting itself up in two separate districts. Around the old fortress extends “the earth”, a concentric sector where winding alleys and secret passages leading to the main place.
On the other side of the river, the “Borgo” district was formed as an extension of the urban extension. These two parts are connected by Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge in the ark, 33 meters long, which is based on the vestiges of an old work.
The ascent towards the castle requires a certain effort, but the effort is largely rewarded. Once at the top, you will discover the remains of this imposing building flanked by two square towers in ruins.
Despite several transformations over the centuries, the building still reveals the traces of its military past: service spaces, old jails and interior courses used today as exhibition places and shows.
Emblematic symbol of Dolceacqua, this monument is not the only treasure in the village. The parish church of Sant'Antonio also deserves a visit, especially for its sumptuous baroque interior and its 16th century polyptych representing Santa DEVOTA. The bell tower and the palace, too, are among the local wonders not to be missed.
Another unusual attraction, the “visionarium” offers an audiovisual immersion in documentary shorts where nature, photography, music and poetry mix.
In the “Borgo” district, another religious building draws attention: the San Sebastiano oratory. It houses a precious wooden sculpture attributed to Maragliano. It is also here that the local brotherhood meets, which celebrates each month of January a procession in tribute to the saint.
One of the emblems of Dolceacqua, however, remains the olive tree. This majestic tree reigns supreme in the Nervia valley, where it has flourished for centuries thanks to Benedictine monks. Despite a steep field, the inhabitants were able to tame the slopes and arrange terraces to cultivate these emblematic trees.
A few kilometers away, do not miss Apricale, a neighboring village which also deserves the detour. Its nested houses, its narrow alleys, its church and its castle give this place a unique charm. Its tortuous passages, its steep stairs and its wall frescoes make it a fascinating destination for lovers of authenticity and heritage.
