Triora

and Around

The village

Triora is a beautiful medieval village, located in the Western Ligurian Riviera, in the province of Imperia, perched at about 800 meters above sea level in the beautiful Valle Argentina.

The town has a population of just over 200 people and a very vast territorial extension which includes numerous very interesting hamlets to visit. The surrounding mountain territories, once cultivated, now contain splendid woods and unique landscapes.

Triora owes its name to “Tria-Ora” (three mouths) indicating the three main local products (wheat, vine and chestnut). But it is due to the tragic story that occurred in the years 1587-89 that it is still known as the Town of Witches.

The origins

Obviously Triora is not just witchcraft trials, but thanks to this drive it is possible to come and discover the wonders of a territory which together with the people, culture and traditions becomes a PLACE… unique.

Corners and Places

to visit

Chiesa di San Bernardino

Church dating back to the 15th century, it preserves splendid and chilling frescoes representing the Last Judgement.

La Grotta di Lourdes

Small cave containing statues representing Madonna of Lourdes and the young Bernadette Soubirous praying.

Palazzo Stella

The heart of the medieval village, built in the fourteenth century and for centuries the center of power, prestige and patronage.

La Collegiata

An extremely satisfying visit from every point of view: artistic, cultural and religious.

Il Poggio Della Croce

Panoramic point from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the entire valley.

Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista

A small building, inside it hosts the wooden statue of Saint Giovanni Battista, a work of extraordinary perfection.

I Portali in Ardesia

The use of ardesia stone, called "Black Gold", of which the Argentina valley is very rich, is very ancient. Triora features unique slate portals, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. They are found mainly in the upper part of the village, the one inhabited by noble families.

Il Castello

Ruined castle dating back to the 12th or 12th century, built entirely into the rock on the highest point of the then town of Triora.

Chiesa Di Santa Caterina

Church of XIV century located outside the historic center of Triora, today in ruins.

La Fontana Soprana

The oldest and most important fountain in the town is the starting point for a visit to the Castle.

Chiesa Di San Dalmazio

The building, dating back to the 13th century, was apparently erected by the Benedictine monks during their evangelization work in the Argentina valley. Inside there is a valuable painting depicting San Pietro Nolasco during the celebration of mass.

MES

Ethnohistoric Museum of Witchcraft. Exhibition structured on three floors, with fifteen rooms showing the faunal, archaeological, historical, ethnographic sections and an underground part where there are finds linked to the trial brought in 1587-1589 against the women accused of witchcraft and condemned to the stake.

Il Gatto Di Triora

Wonderful bronze work signed Elena Rede. This majestic 3 meter tall cat is called Grand Pardon. To ask for forgiveness from all the felines barbarically killed by man during the inquisition.

Museo Civico e Diffuso

At Palazzo Stella. In the museum spaces there are educational rooms for children and families, an ethno-historical section of witchcraft, multimedia rooms and exhibition rooms which always host contemporary exhibitions.”

La Cabotina

The place where the witches (or rather, the "bàzure, as they call them here) gathered for their demonic sabbats. Perhaps these were ancient pagan rites or folk medicine practices that still survive today.

Activities in

Valle Argentina

Immersed in the mountains, with a mild climate and Mediterranean breezes, the Argentina Valley enjoys a unique ecosystem and is the ideal place to indulge in mountain sports and outdoor excursions.

Trekking lovers can safely follow the paths, of varying difficulty and length, till the high Monte Saccarello.
For two-wheel enthusiasts, Valle Argentina is recognised as one of the best “spot” in Italy for mountain biking, down hill and cross country.
Furthermore, rocks and cliffs for climbing, horseback riding, canyoning in clear waters where you can swim in the summer and snow-covered paths for snowshoeing in the winter.