Dolceacqua
Welcome to Dolceacqua: the medieval village of the Nervia valley
If you are looking for an enchanting destination among the hills of Liguria, you cannot miss Dolceacqua, a town of 2,145 inhabitants in the province of Imperia. The village, called ''Dôsaiga'' in the Ligurian dialect, is located in the Nervia valley and, like many other villages in Liguria, will captivate you with its narrow streets, stone buildings, and views of the surrounding mountains.
Discover the physical geography of Dolceacqua
The territory of Dolceacqua extends along the Nervia river and includes several peaks such as Monte Abellio, Monte Abelliotto, Cima Tramontina, and Monte Curti. The oldest part of the village is located at the foot of Mount Rebuffao and is dominated by the Castello di Dolceacqua, while the modern part is located on the opposite bank of the river. The climate is mild and of the sub-humid mesomediterranean type, with average temperatures of +7.6 °C in January and +22.3 °C in July, and an average of 750 mm of precipitation per year.
Discover the origins of the name Dolceacqua
The toponym Dolceacqua probably derives from the Roman name Dulcius, which later became Dulciàca, Dusàiga, and Dulcisaqua. However, some studies also suggest the Celtic origin of the name, from Dussaga to Dulsàga to Dolceacqua.
The history of the medieval village
The first historical traces date back to the Iron Age and the presence of the Ligurians in the area surrounding the village. Subsequently, the Order of Saint Benedict favored olive cultivation and the monastery of Santa Maria della Mota. Olive cultivation improved agricultural techniques, spreading the Rossese di Dolceacqua and other local productions. In the twelfth century, the Lascaris of Ventimiglia built the Castello di Dolceacqua to strategically control the bifurcation of the Nervia river valley. In 1270-76, the Doria family purchased the village.
Between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, concentric districts were created that have the current configuration, up to the expansion of the Borgo on the opposite bank of the Nervia river.
What to see in Dolceacqua
One of the main attractions of the village is the Castello di Dolceacqua, with its pentagonal tower. The castle offers a panoramic view of the Nervia valley and the villages of the Ligurian Riviera. Another attraction of the village is the Ponte Vecchio, an arch bridge built in the fifteenth century that crosses the Nervia river and connects the oldest part of the village with the Borgo. The medieval village also offers numerous alleys, called ''caruggi,'' with stone houses, several churches, and historic palaces.
Local gastronomy
The cuisine of Dolceacqua is linked to the Ligurian tradition and offers dishes based on fish and meat, seasoned with olive oil and accompanied by typical local products. Among the most famous specialties are Taggiasche olives, the Rossese di Dolceacqua, the torta pasqualina, and the pandolce, a sweet based on raisins and nuts.
A visit to Dolceacqua is recommended for those who want to discover the history and culture of Liguria, immersed in an enchanted medieval village among hills and mountains.
