Soldano
The Province of Imperia: an introduction
The Province of Imperia is located in the Liguria region in northwest Italy. With a population of 208,303 inhabitants, it is home to three important districts: Imperiese, Sanremese, and Ventimigliese. It is bordered to the north by the Province of Cuneo in Piedmont, to the east by the Province of Savona, to the west by France, and to the south by the Ligurian Sea. The main cities are Imperia, Sanremo, Ventimiglia, and Taggia.
Physical geography
The Province of Imperia is located in the most western and southern part of Liguria. It extends over three districts, each with its unique characteristics. Imperiese is the largest of the three and stretches from the hills along the Impero River through the Prino Valley to the sea. Sanremese extends along the coast, while Ventimigliese borders France and extends from the Maritime Alps to the sea.
History
The history of the Province of Imperia dates back to the time of the Province of Nice, until its cession to France in 1860. The remaining part of the Kingdom of Sardinia merged with Porto Maurizio to form the Province of Porto Maurizio in 1923. In 1945, France tried to annex part of the territory of the Province of Imperia, but US President Harry Truman ordered them to withdraw.
Symbols and Honours
The official coat of arms of the Province of Imperia was approved in 1927. In 1979, the Province was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour for the sacrifices of its populations and for its activity in the partisan struggle during World War II.
Society
The Province of Imperia has a population of approximately 208,303 inhabitants, of which 10.66% are foreign citizens. Sanremo is the municipality with the highest number of foreign residents, while Airole has the highest percentage of foreign residents compared to the Italian population. The predominant religion is Catholicism, with the Province of Imperia divided between the dioceses of Albenga-Imperia and Ventimiglia-San Remo.
Culture
The Province of Imperia is an ideal tourist destination, thanks to the presence of important art cities such as Sanremo, Ventimiglia, and Imperia. Sanremo is famous for its Liberty-style Casino and the Russian Church, while Imperia boasts the largest church in Ligurian architecture, the Basilica of San Maurizio. At Ventimiglia, one can find the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, a must-visit for nature lovers.
Conclusions
The Province of Imperia is a unique and fascinating region, with a rich history, culture, and tradition. With its strategic position on the coast, the Province invites sea lovers to discover its wonderful beaches and hidden coves. But with the presence of important art cities, the Province is also the ideal place for lovers of Italian culture and history.
