Badalucco
Welcome to Badalucco: the medieval gem of Liguria
Hello everyone, today I will talk about an enchanted place located in the province of Imperia, in Liguria: Badalucco. This Italian municipality counts about 1061 inhabitants and is the ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity, history and natural beauties.
Geography
Badalucco is located in the middle of the Argentina Valley, near the Rocca di San Nicolò. The medieval village extends along the homonymous stream and is surrounded by stone houses, narrow alleys, caruggi and small squares. It has two late Middle Ages bridges with a characteristic architecture in the shape of a donkey's back, located at the entrance and exit of the village.
The territory around Badalucco features olive groves cultivated on terraces that alternate with woods and pastures of the Faudo Mountain (1149 m) and the Pallarea Mountain (1076 m) on the border with Montalto Carpasio. The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and has been subject to Saracen raids between the 9th and 10th centuries, which depopulated the coasts and valleys.
Climate
Badalucco's climate follows the sub-Mediterranean type, with some differences in terms of temperatures compared to the coast. During the day, the village is touched by sea breezes, which ensure mild temperatures even in winter; at night, however, land breezes carry cold air from the hinterland, causing frequent but weak winter frosts. Summer is characterised by hot days and cool nights, thanks to the mountain breezes that mitigate the nightly heat.
History
According to local historical sources, the battle between the Ligurian population and the Roman army was fought near Campo Marzio, at the beginning of the Badalucco settlement, in 181 BC. Rome's victory established the submission of the Ponente Riviera and the surrounding valleys.
The area also suffered from Saracen raids between the 9th and 10th centuries, which also struck the Argentina Valley and the Taggia Abbey. The latter was rebuilt by the Benedictine monks of the Church of Santo Stefano (Genoa), who settled in Imperia in the Argentina Valley, Taggia and Villaregia. In 1173, the citizens of "Baalucho" signed an agreement with Porto Maurizio to allow them to graze and collect wood in their woods.
From the 12th century, Badalucco was under the lordship of the Lascaris of Ventimiglia, of the Upper Argentina valley branch. Count Oberto chose the village as a place of residence and had to make the first treaties of submission to Genoa from 1231. In subsequent years, for personal economic reasons, the count also ceded shares of jurisdiction to the marquises Pagano and Michele di Ceva.
Art and Culture
Badalucco retains the charm of a bygone era, with its perfectly preserved medieval village and stone houses. The ancient nucleus is dotted with churches, including the large parish church of San Giorgio, which houses a precious 18th-century organ, and the suggestive chapel of San Nicolò, founded in the 13th century.
Badalucco's culinary tradition is linked to Ligurian cuisine, with fresh handmade pasta, pesto alla genovese, focaccia and garden products. But the local specialty par excellence is farinata, a sort of flat chickpea cake baked in a wood-fired oven.
Outdoor Activities
The territory of Badalucco offers endless opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts: trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking and birdwatching. The Faudo trail (T1) leads to the wild beaches of Riva Trigoso, while the path along the Badalucco stream (T1) allows you to discover the fauna and flora of the Faudo Mountain. Also not to be missed is the guided tour of the ancient caves of Madonna della Neve, used in the past for ice preservation.
Conclusions
Badalucco is a small medieval gem of Liguria, with its well-preserved village, unspoiled nature and Ligurian culinary tradition. An ideal place for those seeking a holiday of relaxation, culture, sports and nature. Come and discover Badalucco, we are waiting for you!
