Triora

Immerso tra le tranquille colline della Liguria, si trova Triora, un villaggio medievale da favola rinato dalla desolazione. Il suo passato ricco di calamità e ripresa, il presente ricco di un ricco patrimonio artistico e un futuro promettente, intrighi e nuove connessioni, ne fanno un gioiello unico e imperdibile nella corona delle destinazioni italiane.

Il passato di Triora è curioso quanto il suo presente.

Il villaggio ebbe origine nel IX secolo e fino alla tragedia fu un tipico insediamento italiano tranquillo. Un devastante terremoto nel 1887 scosse profondamente il villaggio, rendendolo invivibile.

Per molti decenni rimase una città fantasma, la sua anima messa a tacere, avvolta nella desolazione. Tuttavia, la metà del XX secolo segnò il sorprendente ma bellissimo ringiovanimento di Triora.

Artisti provenienti da tutta Europa scoprirono il villaggio deserto e in difficoltà e, affascinati dalle sue potenzialità, lo trasformarono in una comune di artisti di fama internazionale.

Esplorare Triora è come intraprendere una caccia al tesoro: le tortuose stradine acciottolate sono uno spettacolo visivo di case medievali in pietra adornate con bellissime opere d’arte, murali e sculture. Gli artisti non solo hanno fatto rivivere gli edifici ma li hanno ricreati in tele viventi, donando ad ogni angolo del borgo un fascino unico.

La vita a Triora oggi vive di arte. Il villaggio ospita studi di artisti, boutique indipendenti e botteghe artigiane, riflettendo un vivace centro di attività creativa. Artisti provenienti da tutto il mondo ne hanno fatto la loro casa, contribuendo a diverse espressioni artistiche che comprendono pittura, scultura, ceramica, tessitura e altro ancora. Connettersi con questi artisti, guardarli lavorare e ascoltare le loro storie è una dimensione davvero particolare per una visita a Triora.

Vivi l’attrazione magnetica di Triora, dove arte e storia si intrecciano e ogni angolo racchiude una storia di resilienza, rinascita ed espressione creativa. È davvero una testimonianza dell’indomabile spirito umano e un faro per artisti ed esploratori di tutto il mondo.

Booking.com

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.

Gli alloggi a Triora sono davvero un bene raro, il che evidenzia il fascino non turistico del villaggio e la sua dedizione nel preservare il suo ambiente artistico. Il villaggio stesso non ha hotel convenzionali, ma offre invece pochi posti selezionati in cui soggiornare.

Nelle tranquille stradine di Triora esistono solo una manciata di camere private, ognuna ricca di carattere artistico e calda ospitalità. Questi spazi fanno eco allo spirito distintivo degli artisti proprietari, facendo sì che ogni pernottamento diventi parte integrante dell’esperienza a Triora.

Tuttavia, con un numero così limitato di camere e appartamenti disponibili, è fortemente consigliata la prenotazione anticipata. Ciò garantisce che i visitatori riescano ad assicurarsi un posto all’interno del villaggio e a sperimentare appieno la tranquillità e il fascino di cui Triora è ricca.

In alternativa, le vicine zone di Arma di Taggia e Sanremo, entrambe nel raggio di soli 10 km, offrono un’ampia offerta di hotel, B&B e case vacanza.

Indipendentemente da dove posi la testa, una visita a Triora promette di essere un ricordo di una vita.

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.