Ormea
Welcome to Ormea: a small oasis of peace in the heart of the Ligurian Alps
Ormea is a small yet charming town located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. With its 1,532 inhabitants, Ormea offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the nature, history, and culture of the area. The town is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Prealps and the Ligurian Alps, creating a stunning mountain backdrop.
Let's discover the physical geography of Ormea together
Ormea is situated in the Upper Tanaro Valley, in the south of Piedmont and the Province of Cuneo. The town is located at the confluence of the Armella stream and the Tanaro River. The SS 28 Colle di Nava road crosses the Tanaro at the Ponte di Nava hamlet, entering Liguria in the Province of Imperia.
The surrounding mountains, such as Monte Armetta (1,739 m), Pizzo d'Ormea (2,476 m), and Monte Antoroto (2,144 m), give the surrounding landscape a magical and unique aura. The town is characterized by its heart-shaped historic center, easily recognizable from the summit of Monte Armetta.
The uniqueness of Ormea's climate
Ormea enjoys a milder climate compared to other localities situated in parallel valleys or at lower altitudes. This is due to both the marine currents that wash over the town and the shelter provided by the surrounding mountains. Winter temperatures are generally mild, while summers are cool and pleasant.
Origins of the name: Ormea's history told through its name
The name Ormea derives from the Latin word "Ulmeta", meaning "abundance of Elm trees". The name has changed over the centuries to "Ulmea", "Olmea", and finally "Ormea". This name tells the story of the land, whose territory was once covered with a large number of Elm trees.
A dive into Ormea's history
Ormea's history is very important, especially during the Saracen period in the 10th century. The signs of this era still remain on the Tower of Barchi, the Castle Tower, the central tower of the castle now destroyed by Napoleon's troops, and on the "Balma of Messere" in Cantarana.
In the 13th century, Ormea was the subject of continuous dispute between the Clavesana and Ceva marquises, with interferences from the Republic of Genoa. In 1722, it became a marquisate, thanks to its Marquis Carlo Vincenzo Ferrero d'Ormea, who built a textile industry that could compete with English industries.
The French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Italy brought death and destruction. During those years, the town suffered severe damage, including the destruction of both the factory located in the main square of the town and the ancient castle.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Ormea is a small town that offers a great wealth of history, nature, and culture. The beauty of the surrounding mountains, the mild climate, and the uniqueness of the name tell an ancient and charming story. Visiting Ormea is a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking a vacation away from the chaos of the cities.
