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To reach Apricale (the village of the sun, as the name would suggest), after Isolabona leave the road for Val Nervia and take the fork which leads to the valley of the Merdanzo, a mountain stream. Apricale lies just around a corner, perched on a slope surrounded by olive trees. Before the village an unpaved side track leads to the ruins of the Roman church of San Pietro in Ento (11th century) which stands on a small plateau. Returning to the main road, alongside a spring (thought to have miraculous therapeutic properties for many years) one finds the 13th century church of Santa Maria in Albis (now Madonna degli Angeli) which was modified at the time of the baroque. Inside is an extensive series of frescoes from different eras, including the Incoronazione della Vergine (Coronation of the Virgin) which dates back to the 1400s.
To enter the ancient fortified village (now decorated with original murals by contemporary artists) one passes steep lanes, covered alleyways and stone archivolts before reaching the main square which stands, quite unexpectedly, bathed in glorious light below the rock. Here the scene is quite stunning: sweeping stone arches, a pre-Renaissance drinking trough with fountain, painted loggias and palazzi, baroque and nineteenth century prospects and the imposing buttresses of the castle. On the right of the piazza stands the oratory of San Bartolomeo, forming a religious backdrop to the whole. With its baroque facade dominated by the slender bell tower, the church is the resting place for a fine 16th century wooden polyptych depicting the saint. Slightly higher up on the opposite side of the square is the parish church of the Purificazione di Maria Vergine (rather too modern in style following refurbishment work last century), the bell tower of which stands over a thirteenth century tower.
To the side of the church lies the feudal castle (now known as the castello della Lucertola) with its hanging gardens. The castle has been fully restored and is now the backdrop for artistic and cultural events. The Art Nouveau style frescoed rooms house a museum which is well worth a visit (the collection covers painting, theatre, historical treasures, local stories and legends and, most interesting of all, the "statutes" of Apricale - the oldest in Liguria).
On leaving the village and heading for Bajardo one comes across the cemetery and Roman church of Sant'Antonio (13th century) with its baroque facade and frescoes painted in the 1400s.
A visit to Apricale is not complete without a stop in its craft workshops and studios (there are engraving and ceramics schools, the latter for budding artists). Finally, enjoy a meal in one of Apricale's renowned restaurants and trattorias; what better place to plan a return trip, perhaps in Summer when the whole village becomes a stage for a season of plays, shows and concerts, the "Balun" tournament (played with a special ball) and a chance to celebrate "natural" cuisine. |
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Browse through the most evocative pictures of Apricale
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Hamlets:
Regione Osaggio, Semoigo, Foa |
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How to get there: Percorrendo l'Autostrada dei Fiori A10 Genova-Ventimiglia uscire al casello di Bordighera. Raggiunta l'Aurelia seguire le indicazioni.
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Distance from motorway: A 10
Km 15 |
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Mountain Community: |
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This town belongs to the Comunità Montana Intemelia. Visit the section dedicated to this montain community |
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Tourist Information Office
Via Roma, -
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Municipal Tourism Association
PRO LOCO APRICALE - PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE - -
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Town Hall contact details
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Address:
Via Roma, 41
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Post code: 18030
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Tel.:
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Facsimile:
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Email:
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Web Site: www.apricale.org
Facts and figures
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Population: (source ISTAT December 1999)
571
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Area: Km2
20
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Altitude: mt
291
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