Vessalico
Discover Vessàlico: a place of peace and history
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and discover the history of a small Italian village, Vessàlico is the place for you! Located in the province of Imperia, in Liguria, Vessàlico is a municipality of only 245 inhabitants immersed in the Arroscia valley.
Physical geography of Vessàlico
Vessàlico is located along the left bank of the Arroscia river and at the foot of Mount Frascinello (1120 m). The territory extends from a minimum altitude of 197 m above sea level to a maximum altitude of 1208 m. The highest peak in the municipality is Punta Alto (1082 m).
History of Vessàlico
The history of Vessàlico begins in the protohistoric period, when the territory was inhabited by local tribes linked to the Ligurians. In 180 BC, the territory came under the control of the Roman Empire, which built a fortified camp to counter the advance of the Ligurians.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory of Vessàlico was subject to various barbarian dominations. In 643, the territory came under the dominion of the Lombards, followed by the Franks until 888. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the village was devastated by Saracen raids.
In 1094, Boniface del Vasto took possession of the territory, which from 1151 became one of the possessions of the marquises of Clavesana. During this period, the locality of Ponte Nuovo was founded, mentioned in the popular legend about the foundation of Vessàlico.
In 1233, together with other populations in the valley, Vessàlico participated in the foundation of the center of Pieve di Teco, which became the capital of the homonymous mandate, under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Genoa. Vessàlico was part of this territory along with fifteen other villages.
With the French domination, Vessàlico returned from December 2, 1797, within the Ligurian Republic. From April 28, 1798, it was part of the VIII Canton, with the capital of Pieve di Teco, of the Centa jurisdiction and from 1803 the main center of the III Canton of Pieve in the jurisdiction of the Olives.
What to see in Vessàlico
If you want to visit the village of Vessàlico, there are many things you could see. One of the most interesting attractions is the historic center, where you can find the Church of San Giorgio, dating back to the 13th century.
Vessàlico also hosts some very particular local traditions, such as the festival of the Madonna degli Angeli, which takes place every year on August 2nd, or the sagra della farinata, a typical gastronomic specialty of Liguria.
How to reach Vessàlico
If you want to visit Vessàlico, you should know that the municipality is not directly served by a railway station or an airport. The nearest airport is Nice, in France, about two hours drive from Vessàlico.
You can reach Vessàlico by car, along the state road 28 of Colle di Nava. If you are traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Imperia, from which you can then take a bus to Vessàlico.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Vessàlico is a small Ligurian village that deserves to be visited if you are looking for a quiet place of historical interest. With its privileged position in the middle Arroscia valley and its ancient history, Vessàlico will offer you an unforgettable experience discovering the most authentic Italy.
