Rocchetta Nervina in Italy | Province of Imperia, Liguria
Enjoy peace and quiet holiday among olive groves and vineyards in Liguria, Italy.
Rocchetta Nervina
A medieval village on the slopes of Monte Terca
Numerous exciting hiking paths, such as the famous Ligurian mountain path, are waiting for your visit
Travel tips
It is not too far away from the coast: the climate is ideal for a peaceful holiday among the olive groves and vineyards. You can either go for a simple walk or go for something more demanding, spending a few days to climb up to the refuges on the Ligurian Alta Via: on Monte Pau (1063 m.) and Testa d'Alpe (1457 m.), there are refuges that have recently been rebuilt and are now in use. Monte Abellio (1016 m.) and Monte Morgi (819 m.) mark the borders of Rocchetta to the west and east respectively.
The valley areas of Barbaira and Oggia are dotted with little waterfalls and countless bridges. The peak of Testa d'Alpe (1578 m.), which is on the divide with the Roia Valley, closes the western part of the valley with a decidedly Alpine landscape. In just a few hours you can leave the beauties of the Mediterranean landscape behind you and find yourself in the midst of cool Alpine scenery. At the end of your walk you can taste the speciality of goat's meat and beans and rabbit prepared "alla rocchettina".
Those who love taking a ride on a bicycle along the sea can be assured of a wonderful tour on the Pista Ciclabile. This track, which runs parallel to the sea, has been made exclusively for cyclists, pedestrians and skaters, and is approx. 26 km long.
You will find small grocery shops and local restaurants in town. The Festival delle Fiabe takes place in Rocchetta Nervina every year from 16th to 18th August, and is a source of great joy for the whole region. A list of other events can be found on the town‘s official website.
History
The origins of Rocchetta di Nervina go back to Roman times, as can be seen from the many objects found on nearby Monte Abellio: coins, amphorae, ruins of Christian buildings built on former Roman sites - all of which point to the vitality of the town. During medieval times it was a place through which pilgrims passed on their way from Lower Piedmont through the Nervia Valley: many of the religious buildings in the area served as hospices.
The history of Rocchetta di Nervina is one of reprisals and barbaric acts, such as those committed by Imperiale Doria, the lord of Dolceacqua, who demanded feudal tribute from the town. The dominion of the Savoys from the fifteenth century brought greater peace. The Savoy shield is still to be seen beneath the stone ornamental tabernacle on the side door of the church of Santo Stefano. Today Rocchetta Nervina still has its medieval appearance, its characteristic curtain-style defence and the two humpback bridges connecting the town to the access road.
How to reach
Rocchetta Nervina is one of the villages in the province of Imperia which lies in the Liguria region. There are several other villages near Roccetta Nervina, for example: Arpicale (9.1 km), Isolabona (7.1 km) and Dolceaqua (4.7 km). Turn off from Ventimiglia and drive along the SR20 towards Ventimiglia, then along the SS1 towards Genoa until you see the SP 64 branching off to the left. Follow this road past Camporosso, Dolceaqua and you will then come to Roccetta Nervina.
