Apricale

In Liguria there is a small village of artists and cats, with less than 1,000 inhabitants, nestled in the green at 291 meters above sea level and less than 15 km from a crystal clear sea.

We are talking about Apricale, a charming village located in the Nervia Valley, just 30 km from the French border.

If you enjoy walking slowly through alleys and narrow streets discovering picturesque views and quaint corners, include this place on your list of places to visit-Apricale offers an abundance of romance and beauty.

Its privileged location means that this charming medieval village is constantly kissed by the sun, as its name suggests (“Apricus” means “exposed to the sun”).
In the background, the green peaks of the Maritime Alps complete the scenery.

Awarded an Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, the historic center of Apricale is a neat and picturesque collection of stone houses, churches, caruggi, roofs, pointed arch doors, arches, wash houses and other architectural elements that evoke an atmosphere of yesteryear.

Welcoming and lively, this village is not only a place to see but also to experience, thanks to a rich calendar of exhibitions, cultural events, village festivals and delicious local culinary specialties.
For those with a sweet tooth, the typical dessert to try is pansarola, similar to pancakes to be dipped in hot eggnog.

If you love mysterious stories, during your visit to Apricale’s historic buildings, don’t miss the tales about the legends of ghosts that hover in the village, such as the grim executioner and the unhappy countess.

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This incredible medieval village, seemingly suspended in time, offers its visitors total immersion in Ligurian history, nature, and culture.

Here are the main attractions that make Apricale a must-see destination for anyone visiting Liguria.

Piazza Torracca represents the beating heart of Apricale’s town life, a characteristic square that serves as the vital center from which branch off the narrow streets that wind along the slopes of the hill on which this charming village is perched.

Located in the heart of Liguria, in the province of Imperia, Apricale is a bright medieval village, characterized by narrow stone streets that are a perfect example of caruggi, a distinctive element of this region both in Italy and abroad.

The main square, or Torracca, is the ideal starting point for exploring Apricale, offering a unique overview of village life and its fascinating architecture.

The Church of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, is one of the most important religious buildings in Apricale.
This church is a significant point of interest for both worshippers and visitors, attracting attention for its history, architecture, and the works of art it preserves.

The Church of the Purification has ancient origins, evidence of its historical and religious importance over the centuries for the community of Apricale.
Although the exact date of its foundation is unclear, it is known that the building underwent various phases of renovation and expansion, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries, periods in which it acquired most of its current architectural and artistic features.

The church’s architecture reflects the Baroque style, common in many religious buildings in Liguria at that time.
The simple and imposing facade invites visitors to enter, while the interior is enriched by side altars, sacred artworks, and frescoes telling biblical stories and scenes from the lives of saints.

Inside the Church of the Purification, visitors can admire various items of artistic interest:

• Frescoes: The walls of the church are decorated with frescoes illustrating episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary and other religious scenes, executed by local or regional artists.
• Altars: The church houses several altars dedicated to particular saints.
  These altars are often adorned with period sculptures, paintings, and decorations.
• Sacred Art: The church preserves several works of sacred art, including statues, relics and ancient liturgical vestments.

Lizard Castle dates back to the 10th century and was originally built as a defensive post, but over the centuries it became a feudal and lordly residence.

Today, the castle houses a museum dedicated to the history of the village, hosts numerous temporary exhibitions and enchants visitors with its beautiful roof garden.

This place, rich in history and culture, is a significant attraction for those visiting Apricale, offering a fascinating dive into the region’s medieval past.

The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli is characterized by its architectural simplicity and its importance to the local community.
Although the structure is not among the most imposing or artistically significant in Italy, it represents a significant place of worship and has its own special charm.

The church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Apricale typically features a restrained and functional architectural style characteristic of many small community churches in Italy.
These structures were built to meet the spiritual needs of the locals, rather than to impress with sumptuous architectural beauty.

Apricale is known as the “Village of Artists,” an appellation that reflects the village’s creative soul, visible through the many murals that decorate its streets and house facades.

These art pieces were created by both Italian and international artists and add color and character to the village, attracting visitors and art enthusiasts.

The fifty or so murals are often painted in a naive style and depict everyday scenes, people, traditional aspects of life here, and scenes of pure imagination, helping to create a magical atmosphere unique to this Ligurian village

Apricale hosts significant cultural events, including the “Teatro della Tosse,” a summer theater festival that stands out for its ability to liven up the village’s most characteristic squares, streets, and corners.

This festival transforms Apricale into an outdoor stage where theater merges with the daily life of the village, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere.

During the festival, actors and theater companies bring to life performances ranging from classic comedy to more modern experiments, making theater accessible and close to the people.

Candlelight shows, storytelling under the stars, and performances winding through the village’s narrow streets offer visitors and residents an immersive cultural experience.

Through the “Theatre of the Cough,” Apricale demonstrates how theatrical art can be a powerful vehicle for community and cultural exchange, strengthening the bond between residents and with the many visitors who are attracted to this enchanting festival each summer.

In Apricale, visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation options that reflect the welcoming and picturesque spirit of the village.

Located in the Ligurian hinterland, this charming village offers accommodations ranging from quaint vacation homes to family-run, small B&Bs that offer a more intimate and personal experience.

These accommodations often preserve the rustic architecture and aesthetics of the place, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the historic atmosphere of the hamlet.

In addition, for those seeking a more natural and secluded experience, there are also options to stay in farmhouses located in the picturesque surroundings of Apricale, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the Ligurian countryside.

Here too, as in many places in Liguria, it is definitely advisable to book early to have the best possible choice.

Reaching Apricale, located in the charming Ligurian hinterland, is relatively easy, especially for those traveling by car.

Motorists can take the A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia highway, exit at the Bordighera toll booth, and then follow the road signs that lead directly to the village.

This route offers travelers a chance to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Liguria as they approach Apricale.

Apricale’s location, less than 15 km from the coast, also makes the village easily accessible for those who wish to combine a visit to the Ligurian Riviera with the discovery of one of its inland jewels.

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