One can say that Imperia and its province are a museum in the open air.
Some archaeological remains unearthed on Monte Faudo, are evidence of the fact that this area had already been inhabited during prehistory. In the Middle Ages the urban areas that now form the towns of Imperia, Oneglia and Porto Maurizio, were distinct urban areas with separate courts and jurisdictions. In 1815 Oneglia and Porto Maurizio joined the Kingdom of Sardinia, but they still kept their different identities.
In 1848 the two urban areas were united thanks to the construction of a bridge across the river Impero; this link enabled communications and trades, but the two town couldn’t be considered as one. The real union between Oneglia and Porto Maurizio took place in 1923, then officialised in 1930, with the construction of the impressive Town Hall that was built exactly halfway. Nowadays Imperia is a town rich in history and culture.
Sights to be seen
In the heart of PORTO MAURIZIO there is the wonderful medieval small village of Borgo Parasio that lies on the top of the hill overlooking the sea; this old small village is full of intersecting narrow alleys leading the visitors through a distant past rich in history, art and architecture.
Not far from Borgo Parasio one can find the Cathedral giving onto a square that houses the Naval Museum of West Liguria in which visitors can see models of Viking long ships, caravels, vessels, frigates, trade vessels, steamships and warships of different periods. In the same area, tourists are recommended to visit the loggias of the Convent of Saint Clare, founded by the Clarisse, which still houses the enclosed nuns; from the arcades of the loggias visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscape, sweeping the gulf as far as Torre Prarola that was built on a cliff dropping sheer to the sea, and was used to sight the enemies coming from the sea.
Going down to the sea, tourists walk along the historic Via Cascione which is rich in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, where they can visit the wonderful Cavour Theather; along the shore the stroll goes on from Borgo Foce, an ancient fishing village, up to Borgo Marina by means of a picturesque pedestrian promenade high up above the sea. Borgo Marina is a small village, rich in restaurants and cafés giving onto the marina; from here, every day it is possible to go on an excursion by boat in order to spot the cetaceans.
ONEGLIA is the most commercial part of Imperia; in the old town there is the harbour; here, the ancient fisherman warehouses have been converted in cosy restaurants and cafés where it is possible to enjoy the delicious Ligurian cuisine. In this part of the town it is also possible to find the house where in 1466 the famous admiral and politician Andrea Doria was born, as well as Piazza De Amicis which is dedicated to the well-known author of the novel “Cuore”.
Not far from the harbour there is Via Bonfante with its arcades dating back to the 19th century: this is the most commercial part of the town. Alternatively, going up towards the hill there is the famous Villa Grock. Oneglia also hosts the Olive Tree Museum.
