Montalto Ligure

Olive trees, vineyards, chestnut trees and pastures occupying just 13 square kilometres of land: the territory of Montalto Ligure comprises features that are usually found in quite distinct areas in Liguria. The vast terracings of olive groves and vineyards reach up to a considerable altitude and are the result of centuries of agricultural endeavour perfectly in harmony with the natural landscape.

The mediaeval town is situated at an altitude of 315 metres on Monte Colletto, a piece of high ground lying between the Argentina and Carpasina rivers. Before having become a Roman dominion, it was a stronghold of the Ligurian Ingauni tribe; in mediaeval times it was the feudal estate of the Ventimiglia aristocracy until being taken into the Republic of Genoa. Its mediaeval features are still evident today, with its long interconnecting alleyways and the abundance of vaults that make the buildings partly overlap along the steep streets. The slate portals are also of interest.

The Romanesque church of San Giorgio (twelfth century) nestling among the olive trees on an ancient mule track outside the town is a national monument, due to its having perfectly preserved its original structure, without having been subjected to restructuring. The parish church of Santi Giovanni Battista e Giorgio in the centre of town holds some works by Ludovico Brea (born in Montalto) and other Ligurian artists. Not far away is the oratory of San Vincenzo Ferreri. The sanctuary of Acquasanta, surrounded by chestnut trees, commemorates an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1453. The interior preserves a poliptych by Emanuele Macario. A local festival is dedicated to the "frandura", a layered potato cake garnished with oil and spices.

The popular feasts involving the typical Cockaigne poles can be traced back to pre-Christian traditions. There are some easy and interesting excursions to be made through the terracings and the woodland to Monte Ceppo and Monte Faudo.