Apricale, where olive trees and the Alps provide the backdrop to a picturesque village

Apricale, whose name derives from apricus (‘sunny’), is located in a privileged position among the olive trees of western Liguria, on the border with France, enjoying a mild climate and protected by the Maritime Alps.

Its history dates back to the late Bronze Age, with Celtic-Ligurian settlements, followed by Roman camps. Around the year 1000, the Counts of Ventimiglia founded the castle on the Apricus rock, the original nucleus of the village, which took on its current appearance in the 13th century. Apricale was first mentioned in a notarial deed in 1092 and became a municipality in 1200. The rural statutes of 1267, an extraordinary document of mixed Roman and Germanic law, bear witness to the life and strict rules of the time.

From around 1270, it became part of the fiefdom of the Doria family of Dolceacqua, with a brief interlude under the Grimaldi family of Monaco. The “piazza nuova” (new square) mentioned in 1491 became the heart of the village. In the following centuries, Apricale faced famines, epidemics and economic difficulties, until it was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815.

Sights not to be missed

The village of Apricale is very picturesque thanks to its tall stone houses, which create a scenic intertwining of alleys, stairways and underpasses, where the entrance may be on the upper floor and the living quarters on the lower floor. Walking through Apricale means discovering poems written on the walls, artists' workshops and a fairytale atmosphere that evokes legends and mysteries.

Claudio Nobbio, the ‘poet of Avrigue’, celebrated the myths of the village in his verses: the lizard of the castle, the Templars on the run hidden in the towers and the legendary bugler of Custer, who survived Little Big Horn. The central square, with its Gothic fountain and stone benches, is surrounded by a network of medieval alleyways such as Via Mazzini and Via Cavour, which lead to churches and oratories.

Among the places of interest are the Oratory of San Bartolomeo with its Renaissance polyptych, the 19th-century parish church, the Castello della Lucertola (Lizard Castle), now a cultural centre, and the city walls with their arched gates. Just outside the village are the parish church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the church of Sant'Antonio Abate and the ruins of San Pietro in Ento. Finally, contemporary art enriches Apricale with murals, installations and sculptures, in a continuous dialogue between past and present.

Village events

Apricale is a village alive with traditions and cultural events. The Castello della Lucertola hosts important exhibitions, such as the “Winter Solstice” and exhibitions linked to the Maeght Foundation, dedicated to great contemporary artists. In February, the romantic itinerary “A come Amore” (A for Love) and the Festa dell'Olio Nuovo (New Oil Festival) take place. Summer is enlivened by the elastic ball tournament (June-July) and the theatre festival “E le stelle stanno a guardare” (And the stars are watching), which transforms the village into a stage with sets by Luzzati.

September brings the Pansarola Festival and the patron saint's day celebrations, while Christmas is celebrated with atmospheric bonfires in the square.

Entertainment in the surroundings of Apricale

Apricale offers numerous entertainment options surrounded by nature, ideal for those who love hiking and outdoor activities. From the Sciacaigaglia refuge, there are treks and walks that follow the ancient paths and mule tracks that once connected the village with Baiardo, Sanremo and the Ligurian hinterland. One of the most notable itineraries is the one leading to the prehistoric burial mound of Pian del Re, which can be reached via a path through chestnut and pine forests. Other trails lead to the Gouta Forest and the ancient oil mill in the Mandancio valley, which can be reached in a few minutes on foot.

Come and enjoy yourself: take some time to visit Apricale!

photo credits monticello