Triora

Nestled in the quiet hills of Liguria lies Triora, a fairytale medieval village reborn from desolation. Its rich past of calamity and recovery, rich present of rich artistic heritage and promising future, intrigue and new connections make it a unique and unmissable jewel in the crown of Italian destinations.

Triora’s past is as curious as its present.

The village originated in the 9th century and until the tragedy was a typical quiet Italian settlement. A devastating earthquake in 1887 deeply shook the village, making it unlivable.

For many decades it remained a ghost town, its soul silenced, shrouded in desolation. However, the mid-20th century marked the surprising but beautiful rejuvenation of Triora.

Artists from all over Europe discovered the deserted and struggling village and, fascinated by its potential, turned it into an internationally renowned artists’ commune.

Exploring Triora is like embarking on a treasure hunt: the winding cobblestone streets are a visual spectacle of medieval stone houses adorned with beautiful artwork, murals, and sculptures. The artists not only brought the buildings to life but recreated them into living canvases, giving every corner of the village a unique charm.

Life in Triora today thrives on art. The village is home to artists’ studios, independent boutiques and artisan workshops, reflecting a vibrant center of creative activity. Artists from all over the world have made it their home, contributing various artistic expressions including painting, sculpture, ceramics, weaving and more. Connecting with these artists, watching them work and listening to their stories is a very special dimension to a visit to Triora.

Experience the magnetic pull of Triora, where art and history are intertwined and every corner holds a story of resilience, rebirth, and creative expression. It is truly a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a beacon for artists and explorers around the world.

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The witches of Triora have a central place in the town’s history, so much so that they have earned the title “witch town.”

The dramatic Triora witch trial, which took place between 1587 and 1589, remains one of the most impressive events of the period, comparable only to the famous Salem trial.

The persecution was spurred by a ruinous drought that hit the country, causing problems with the grain harvest and fueling superstitions in the minds of the population.

About 20 women were initially charged, but the number quickly grew to over 2,000. The torment lasted for a long time, with women suspected of witchcraft subjected to terrible torture to extract confessions.

Although public hatred of witches continued, the trial was transferred to Genoa in 1589, and finally, the sentence of sentencing to burning at the stake was overturned.

The surviving women were transferred to Rome and little is known about their fate. The story of the witches of Triora remains a powerful reminder of humanity’s dark past, the collective fear of the different and the irrationality of superstition.

This dark chapter in Triora’s history has become part of the charm surrounding the town and its main tourist attractions. Places associated with the events of the trial retain a sinister and fascinating aura that continues to capture the interest of visitors.

In addition to the macabre sights, the history of the witches of Triora has also left its mark on the culture and traditions of the citizens. Even today, numerous customs and beliefs rooted in the past continue to be part of the daily lives of local people, including special religious ceremonies and the extensive use of sacred objects such as water, salt, oil, incense, and blessed candles. The legacy of the witches of Triora deeply permeates the identity of the town, offering visitors a living testimony to its enigmatic and fascinating history.

The municipality of Triora hides within its borders numerous attractions and places of interest, including:

Triora’s Museum of Ethnography and Witchcraft (MES) is an authentic journey through time that explores the historical and cultural fascination of Triora and its witchcraft stories.

The museum, divided into several sections, houses a rich collection ranging from everyday objects to artifacts related to witchcraft practices. An educational section is dedicated to education, where you can learn more about the history and way of life of the people of Triora.

In addition, the documentation center offers deep insights into ethnographic traditions and beliefs related to witchcraft.

The museum, located in the Stella Palace, a historic site where witches were said to have been imprisoned during their trials, also offers an authentic and thoughtful presentation of Triora’s troubled past.

In addition to its indoor collections, the MES invites visitors to explore the historic buildings and surrounding natural beauty that serve as living testimonies to Triora’s cultural riches.

Triora’s Cabotina is known as the house of witches, a place steeped in mystery and fascinating history. Located in the village of Triora, known as the town of witches, the Cabotina is a modest ruined cottage dating back to the 16th century, where witches of the time were believed to live and operate.

This place was at the time considered a small, suburban “neighborhood” where women marginalized by society, often elderly widows or young people from disadvantaged families, lived.

These women possessed traditional herbal and medical knowledge; however, during a time of famine, these women were persecuted as witches.

The Cabotina of Triora is still appreciated for its fascinating ruins and the rich history it tells.

The Church of St. Bernardino in Triora, is a small country church that hides valuable art treasures and frescoes from different eras inside.

The church, dedicated to St. Bernardine of Siena, an important 15th-century Franciscan friar, is characterized by its fusion with the hill through the two small arches that connect it to a stone wall and the charming portico.

Inside, the walls are adorned with frescoes partly damaged by the passage of time, but still capable of telling the story of the history and artistic transitions that took place in the area.

Of particular interest are the frescoes that tell the stories of Christ’s passion and death, characterized by considerable depth and a clear transition from Gothic to Renaissance style.

The Church of San Bernardino is, without a doubt, a fascinating and historically rich place that deserves a visit during your stay in Triora.

The Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Triora is a fascinating place of worship that testifies to the ancient splendor of the medieval village.

The early church dating back to the 16th century possesses a Gothic portal, with black stone blocks alternating with white marble, and preserves numerous artistic masterpieces inside. Among the most valuable works are Taddeo di Bartolo’s “Baptism of Christ,” dated 1397, along with two other 15th-century panels on either side of the altar.

The altarpiece, on the other hand, houses a faithful copy of Guido Reni’s Assumption of Mary by Trio painter Lorenzo Gastaldi in 1680.

The Collegiate Church also holds an ancient wooden crucifix by Anton Maria Maragliano, a statue of Our Lady of Mercy, and several other works of art such as canvases, holy water fonts, and relics of St. John of Triora and St. Tusco.

In the back of the apse, where one of the public ovens once stood, a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes was built in 1914.

A visit to this church allows one to appreciate not only its artistic and cultural beauty, but also the deep spirituality it exudes.

The Castle of Triora, also known as “Castrum Vetus Trioriae,” is a fascinating place rich in history. This ancient, almost impregnable fortress was once the home of local squires.

Although only part of the walls and a keep remain today, the ancient charm of the castle remains intact.

Built on rock by the Republic of Genoa as a defense of its borders, the castle has been damaged several times over the centuries, but its strategic importance has always necessitated its reconstruction.

Another fortress, the “Fortino,” which once functioned as a customs post, is also clearly visible from the castle. Triora Castle, despite its ruins, remains a powerful symbol of the village’s past, and a visit offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in local history.

Triora, famous for its historical sights and fascinating legends, offers curious explorers a series of city itineraries designed to showcase the richness of its artistic, historical, and ethnographic heritage.

• The red route focuses on history and culture, giving rise to an artistic tour that begins at the Ethnographic and Historical Museum (MES) and ends at the Collegiate Church. Along the way, we pass through such iconic places as the ancient city walls, the Old Bakery, the Central Cistern, the Sottana Fountain and the Borelli Palace, as well as the Lourdes Grotto.

• The blue path is a path with more mysterious overtones, perfect for those fascinated by legends and folklore. It begins at Triora Castle and ends again at MES. This tour takes visitors through points of interest including the ruins of St. Catherine’s Church, the Poggio della Croce viewpoint, the Soprana Fountain, the Cabotina, and the fort of San Dalmazzo.

• Finally, the yellow route is designed for younger children, providing a shorter and more convenient tour for families that avoids the most disturbing places. Along the way, little visitors are guided by stops marked with the name of a cute little witch.

These guided tours provide a unique and engaging way to discover the multifaceted nature of Triora.

The Ligurian Alps Park, a beautiful natural area located mainly in the Province of Imperia, and including Triora, is a well-known Italian natural heritage site. The park was established in 2007 by regional law nr.34 to preserve and enhance the ecosystem of the Ligurian Alps.

Covering some 6,000 hectares, the park encompasses three valleys: the Nervia Creek Valley, the Roia Creek Valley, and the Argentina Valley, in which Triora is located.

This park offers a unique opportunity to admire the wonders of nature, enjoy outdoor sports, and soak in the charms of its year-round landscapes.

In addition to the natural and scenic aspect, the Ligurian Alps Park pays great attention to hospitality and the promotion of local products, which are a fundamental element of the area’s culture and traditions.

Accommodations in Triora are indeed a rare commodity, which highlights the village’s non-tourist appeal and its dedication to preserving its artistic environment. The village itself has no conventional hotels, but instead offers a few select places to stay.

Only a handful of private rooms exist in the quiet streets of Triora, each rich in artistic character and warm hospitality.
These spaces echo the distinctive spirit of the artists-owners, making each overnight stay an integral part of the experience in Triora.

However, with such a limited number of rooms and apartments available, advance booking is strongly recommended. This ensures that visitors are able to secure a place within the village and fully experience the tranquility and charm that Triora has to offer.

Alternatively, the nearby areas of Arma di Taggia and San Remo, both within a radius of only 10 km, offer a wide range of hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals.

Regardless of where you place your head, a visit to Triora promises to be a memory of a lifetime.

Getting to Triora does not involve any particular difficulty, but it does require some time given its location in the mountains.

If traveling by car, the most common route involves taking the A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia highway and exiting at Arma di Taggia. From there, follow the signs to Taggia and, at the junction, take the road leading to Triora.

Although the distance from Taggia to Triora is about 30 km, you should calculate at least a 40-minute drive because of the winding road and numerous curves.

If you choose to travel by public transportation, the journey may be more complex as it requires at least one change. It is necessary to take a train to Arma di Taggia or San Remo and from there continue by local bus. However, rides are infrequent, so it is important to inquire about times before departure.

Keep in mind, however, that given Triora’s relatively remote location, using a car is generally the most convenient option.