Chiusavecchia in Italy | Province of Imperia, Liguria
Enjoy wonderful views of the Ligurian hinterland in the city of Chiusavecchia in Liguria, Italy.
Chiusavecchia
It's a village steeped in farming with culinary delights
Also a place full of rustic, romantic flair emanating from the old churches and the historical center of town
Travel tips
Attention all wine and olive gourmets, Chiusavecchia is a marvellous secret tip. The entire landscape and way of life of the village is characterized by grapevines and olive groves. A pilgrimage church was dedicated to olives in this place. The church of Madonna dell´Oliveto was built in 1564 and has been renovated several times over the years. The beautiful belfry, which was built in baroque style, is located in the churchyard which was paved with pebbles in traditional style. You can have a wonderful view from the "Olive Church" over the entire plain of Chiusavecchia right up to the sea. There are comfortable restaurants in and around the Piazza which are very suitable for evening walks. Apart from excellent Ligurian culinary delights, you can also taste regional wines there.
Apart from the impressive bellfry with its onion dome, the church itself is very attractive. The beautifully carved wooden cross which was made by an artist from the 15th/16th centuries, and whose identity unfortunately still remains unknown, was saved from disintegration through careful restoration.
Holiday makers, who prefer to launch themselves into adventures right from their holiday house, can spend their day outdoors. Hiking and mountain-bike paths leading from Chiusavecchia through olive groves and oak forests are very well suited for that kind of activity.
History
Due to its strategically favourable location overlooking the surrounding valley, Chiusaveccia was made property of the bishops of Albenga. After being under the rule of the Doria family for a long time, Chiusaveccia was sold to Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy in the 16th century and was integrated into his duchy.
Jurisdiction over Chiusaveccia changed into the hands of the Tomatis family in 1675, but it continued to be in Savoy. Chiusaveccia was oppressed during the Napoleonic rule and was merged with Chiusanico. The two were then integrated into the First French Empire.
Chiusaveccia bought administrative autonomy in 1814 and was incorporated into the Italian Kingdom in 1861. The area around Chiusaveccia expanded considerably in1923 and suppressed other communes like Cesio, Lucinasco and Torria. However, all the communes became independent again in1925. From 1973 to 2011 Chiusaveccia belonged to the mountain community of Olive and Alta Valle Arroscia.
How to reach
Chiusavecchia belongs to the communes of Lucinasco, Olivastri and Sarola. It is one of the villages in the province of Imperia which lies in the Liguria region. There are other small villages near Chiusavecchia, and they include: Chiusanico (4.9 km), Torria (7.3 km) and Gazzelli (5.5 km). From the highway exit to Imperia Est, turn right onto the SS28, and when you go past Sarola you will then come to Chiusaveccia.
