Erli
Welcome to Erli: a small village surrounded by nature
Erli is an Italian municipality of 206 inhabitants located in the province of Savona, in Liguria. The village is located in the upper valley of the Neva stream, on the left bank and at the confluence with the Vernea stream. Surrounded by the greenery of the mountains, Erli is a perfect destination for those looking for some peace and quiet away from the city.
A bit of history about Erli
The first evidence of human presence in Erli dates back to the Roman Empire, when the village served as a point of exchange for horses along the Salt Road. It is possible to visit the Cascina d'Aglio necropolis, dating back to the 1st century, located near the municipal territory of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena. The name "Erli" could derive from the barbaric population of the Eruli, who settled in the area at the end of the Western Roman Empire.
Studies on the first local place names show the Saracen origin of some inhabitants in the period of the High Middle Ages, when Erli was subjugated to the municipality of Albenga. In the 12th and 14th centuries, the village passed to the Clavesana marquises. In 1335, Erli and Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena became the property of the Del Carretto marquises, who subjugated it to the march of Zuccarello. In 1624, Erli became part of the Republic of Genoa, after the diplomatic acquisition of three-quarters of the same Zuccarello march. During the French domination, Erli was part of the Letimbro Department, with Savona as its capital, within the Ligurian Republic. In 1815, Erli was incorporated into the province of Albenga of the Kingdom of Sardinia, as established by the Congress of Vienna of 1814, and subsequently into the Kingdom of Italy.
What to see in Erli
Erli is a characteristic and authentic village, immersed in nature. There are numerous activities that can be done, such as walks in the surrounding mountains, hiking or biking, picnics in the middle of nature, animal observation and even mushroom picking. The village also has many places of historical interest, such as the 14th-century church of San Giovanni Battista.
How to reach Erli
Erli is located in a fairly isolated position, but there are some options for reaching it. By car, you must follow the SP32 and SP552 provincial roads to reach the village. Alternatively, you can take the train to Calizzano and then continue by car or bus to Erli.
Events and traditions
Erli is famous for its patron saint festival of San Giovanni Battista, which is celebrated every year on June 24th. During the festival, processions, fireworks displays and music concerts are held. In addition, the village hosts the San Francesco Fair, an agricultural fair held every year in October.
Local cuisine
Erli is famous for its typical Ligurian dishes, such as spaghetti with clams, cheese focaccia and vegetable cake. The inhabitants of the village also have an ancient tradition in the production of cheeses, especially robiola and toma.
Conclusions
Erli is an authentic and picturesque village, perfect for those who want to live a few days away from the chaos of the city and immersed in nature. With its fascinating history, traditional cuisine and enchanting location, Erli is a tourist destination not to be missed for those visiting Liguria.
