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Dolceacqua

Dolceacqua is a charming village in the Liguria region of Italy, near the border with France. It is known for its medieval castle, its humpbacked bridge over the Nervia river, and its scenic countryside. Dolceacqua means “sweet water” in Italian, and it is named after the pure spring water that flows from the mountains. The village is divided into two parts: Terra, the old part that lies at the foot of the castle, and Borgo, the newer part that developed across the river. The two parts are connected by a 15th century stone bridge that was admired by the impressionist painter Claude Monet. The castle of Dolceacqua dates back to the 12th century, when it was built by the counts of Ventimiglia.

Via Roma is one of the main streets in Dolceacqua, a picturesque village in the Liguria region of Italy. It runs through the newer part of the village, called Borgo, and crosses the Nervia river over a stone bridge that connects it to the old part, called Terra. Along Via Roma, you can find many shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries that offer a glimpse of the local culture and cuisine. You can also admire the view of the medieval castle that dominates the hilltop above Terra. Via Roma is about 500 meters long. It is paved with cobblestones and has sidewalks on both sides. It is mostly flat, except for a slight slope near the bridge. The bridge that links Via Roma to Terra is called Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) or Ponte di Monet (Monet’s Bridge), because it was painted by the famous impressionist artist Claude Monet in 1884. He was so impressed by the beauty of Dolceacqua that he wrote: “The place is superb, there is a bridge that is a jewel of lightness. ( Photos 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-11-11-12-13) – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is a square in the center of Dolceacqua. It is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a famous Italian general and patriot who fought for the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The square is also a lively place where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the atmosphere, the cafes, and the events that take place throughout the year.

Via San Sebastiano is a street in Dolceacqua, a lovely village in the Liguria region of Italy. It is located in the newer part of the village, called Borgo. (Photos 17-19) In Via San Sebastiano the Oratorio di San Sebastiano is located, which means Oratory of Saint Sebastian. It is a small and simple church that belongs to the confraternity of Saint Sebastian, a religious brotherhood that was founded in 1580. The church has a single nave with a wooden ceiling and a marble altar. The facade has a niche with a statue of Saint Sebastian, who was a martyr under the Roman emperor Diocletian. On the sides of the niche, there are statues of Saint Roch and Saint Anthony the Abbot, two other saints who are venerated in Dolceacqua. (Photos 17-18)

Via della Liberazione is a street in Dolceacqua. It is located near the Nervia river and is close to the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Via della Liberazione was recently renovated thanks to the contribution of the Liguria Region, which granted 190,000 euros to the municipality through the regional strategic fund. The new street has improved the accessibility and the safety of the town, as well as its aesthetic appeal. (Photo 24) – The Ponte Vecchio bridge, Dolceacqua Italy is a beautiful and historic bridge that spans the Nervia river and connects the two parts of the town: Terra and Borgo1. The bridge was built in the 15th century and it is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. It has a single-arch stone structure that gives it a graceful and elegant appearance. The bridge was painted by the famous impressionist artist Claude Monet in 1884, who was captivated by its charm and lightness. He also painted the castle of Dolceacqua, which stands on a hill above the bridge and dominates the town. The bridge is also known as the Donkey Bridge, because it was used by farmers to transport their goods and animals across the river. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Dolceacqua, which is a medieval town with a rich history and culture. (Photos 25-28-30)

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Antonio Abate is a Catholic church located in the town of Dolceacqua. It is the main church of the parish of the same name, which belongs to the diocese of Ventimiglia-San Remo. The church is situated in the Piazza Padre Giovanni Mauro, near the Nervia river. The church was originally built in 1471, but it was enlarged and renovated between 1860 and 1865, giving it its current baroque and classical style. The church has a richly decorated interior, with gold stucco and paintings by various artists. The most notable artwork is the polyptych of Santa Devota, a 12-panel painting by Ludovico Brea, dating from 1515. The church also has a painting of Sant’Antonio Abate by Giuseppe Vermiglio, from the early 17th century. The church has an adjacent bell tower, which was built in 1621 on top of one of the towers of the old city wall. The bell tower offers a splendid view of the town and the valley. (Photos 31-32) – The fountain in Via Monsignor Giuseppe Laura, Dolceacqua Italy is a small and charming water feature that adds to the beauty of the street. It is located near the Crep’Monet restaurant, which serves French, Middle Eastern, and Afghan cuisine, as well as crepes with various fillings. The fountain is made of stone and has a circular basin with a central spout. The water flows gently and creates a soothing sound. (Photo 37)

Dolceacqua cuisine – Some of the specialties of Dolceacqua are: Michetta: a sweet bread made with flour, eggs, butter, sugar and yeast. It has a round shape with a hole in the middle and is usually eaten on August 16th, the feast day of San Rocco, the patron saint of Dolceacqua. Rabbit in dolceacqua sauce: a dish made with rabbit meat cooked in a sauce of red wine, garlic, rosemary, sage, bay leaves, cloves and juniper berries. It is served with polenta or bread. Taggiasca olives: a variety of small black olives that grow in the hills around Dolceacqua. They are used to make olive oil, tapenade, pesto and other dishes. Rossese di Dolceacqua: a red wine made from the Rossese grape, which is native to the area. It has a ruby color and a fruity aroma, with hints of cherry, raspberry and rose. It pairs well with meat, cheese and pasta dishes. Pansarole: deep-fried dough balls sprinkled with sugar. They are a typical dessert of the Carnival season and are often filled with jam or cream.

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 –  Via Roma to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 
Approximately 0.73 km – 0.45 miles

The walk starts in Via Roma – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Via Barberis Colomba to  Via Giardini
Approximately 0.92 km – 0.57 miles

The walk starts in Via Barberis Colomba – Via Dante Alighieri – Via S. Filippo – Ponte Vecchio di Dolceacqua, Via S. Filippo – Via Monsignor Giuseppe Laura – Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Antonio Abate, Via Tibaudo – Centro Storico – Via Monsignor Giuseppe Laura – Via Giardini