Triora

Triora is a perched medieval village in the Ligurian hinterland, in the province of Imperia, set in the upper Argentina valley at the foot of the Ligurian Alps. Known as 'the village of witches', it owes this reputation to the witch trials held there in the late 16th century, an episode documented at the Ethnographic and Witchcraft Museum located in the historic centre. Stone alleyways, vaulted passages and the remains of a castle give the village an authentic character typical of Ligurian mountain settlements, sitting at around 800 metres above sea level. The village is also known for its traditional bread, 'pane di Triora', baked in wood-fired ovens according to an age-old recipe. Surrounded by forests and hiking trails, the mountain setting appeals to those seeking nature and quiet, away from the busier coast. The climate here is noticeably cooler than on the Riviera, with distinct winters. Triora makes a good base for exploring the hinterland of the Riviera dei Fiori, within reasonable reach of the sea and neighbouring valley villages.