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Discovering Imperia Province: Where the Sea Meets the Mountains
If you're looking for a place where the sea meets the mountains, then Imperia Province is the place for you. Located in the western and southern part of Liguria, this province has a population of 208,303 and is divided into three historical districts: Imperiese, Sanremese, and Ventimigliese.
Physical Geography
Imperia Province borders Piedmont to the north (Cuneo Province), Savona Province to the east, France (Maritime Alps) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region to the west, and the Ligurian Sea to the south. Among its most important towns are the capital Imperia (41,999 inhabitants), Sanremo (54,042 inhabitants), Ventimiglia (24,000 inhabitants), and Taggia (13,900 inhabitants).
History
Imperia Province has a rather eventful history. Its territory historically belonged to the French province of Nice until 1860, when it was ceded to France with the Treaty of Turin. The part that remained under the Kingdom of Sardinia, composed of the districts of Porto Maurizio and Sanremo, became the Province of Porto Maurizio. In 1923, with the merger of the capital Porto Maurizio into the new city of Imperia, the province assumed its current name. During World War II, part of the province's territory was occupied by French troops, but President Harry Truman's order mandated the withdrawal of Charles De Gaulle's army beyond Ventimiglia.
Symbols and Honors
The official coat of arms of Imperia Province was approved by decree on February 13, 1927. Imperia Province is among the institutions decorated with the Military Valor for the War of Liberation and was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor on July 6, 1979, for the sacrifices of its people and the activity in the partisan struggle during World War II.
Society
Ethnicities and Foreign Minorities
According to Istat data as of December 31, 2014, foreign citizens residing in Imperia Province were 23,104, accounting for 10.66% of the then-provincial population. The municipality with the highest number of resident foreigners is Sanremo (5862), while Airole has the highest percentage of foreign residents compared to the Italian population, with a figure of 28.24%. Montegrosso Pian Latte is the only municipality without foreign residents.
Religion
The prevailing religion in Imperia Province is Catholicism. The province is divided between the Dioceses of Albenga-Imperia and Ventimiglia-San Remo.
Culture
Imperia Province offers many opportunities for those who want to discover the beauty of Liguria. Among the main art cities are Ventimiglia, which boasts the archaeological area of the Balzi Rossi, a medieval city, and the famous Hanbury botanical gardens; Imperia, whose symbol is the Basilica of San Maurizio, the largest church in Liguria; and Sanremo, with its historic Casino and the Russian Church.
Furthermore, Imperia Province is a place of great interest for mountain lovers, with the presence of the Maritime Alps and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. Here, it is possible to go on hikes and trekking to discover breathtaking views and pristine nature.
Conclusion
Imperia Province is an enchanting place that offers a wide range of attractions including art, culture, sea, and mountains. If you're looking for a place to spend your holidays or a brief getaway from the city, this place will not disappoint you. Come and discover Imperia Province and get to know Liguria better!
