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Dolcedo lies in the middle of the Prino Valley and is the municipality with third highest amount of land given over to olive cultivation in the province of Imperia (30% of its territory). As an ancient feudal estate of the Clavesana family, the town began its expansion in the thirteenth century, when the Bishop of Albenga entrusted the church of San Tommaso to the friars of Lerins, who encouraged olive cultivation. This was the period in which the water-mills were built: the population then began to move out of the higher districts towards the riverside areas, including today's main district, which was at that time known as "Piazza" because it was a market town.





In 1228, the feudal estate passed into the hands of the Republic of Genoa. The municipality became independent in 1613.

In the alleyways of the old town centre, you can see the old artisan shops, while the ancient weights and measures marks are still visible in what is known as the "suttu munte" loggia. The buildings along the Prino and the single-span bridge are remaining signs of the town's former prosperity. The excellent acoustics of the main square make it an ideal place for the concerts and shows that take place on the black-and-white pavement outside the parish church of San Tommaso. Although of mediaeval origin, the church has a colourful eighteenth-century façade: a Baroque canopy frames the fifteenth-century portal. Deep blue Baroque decorations can also be admired inside the church; it also contains some precious works from the Genoese school, including some paintings of the Virgin Mary over the apse, which are attributed to the Carrega brothers. The bell tower is one of the highest in the region. Other monuments to be seen are the Saracen tower, the oratory of San Lorenzo and the church of San Domenico.



In the district of Ripalta there is a characteristic bridge that was once the only means of access to the town. During his childhood, the poet Giovanni Boine stayed in Lecchiore, a district ensconced among the olive groves. Excursions beginning in Dolcedo take you to some places of great natural interest, including Monte Faldo (1149 m.) as well as historic interest, such as Monte Folia, where archaeological finds have been made. The sanctuary of Lampedusa has for centuries been a destination for pilgrims. Dolcedo has a special court where elastic ball is played. For those who love horse-riding there are many riding schools in the area.

The name Valloria comes from "Vallis Aurea", which can be translated into “Valley of the wind“ as well as “Valley of Gold“; the olives being the gold. Either way the name leads one to believe there is something precious that is being salvaged by the 42 residents. This precious thing, whatever it may be, led a group of natives to band together to try and find out what and where it might be. And so, in 1991 under the name "Le Tre Fontane", the community of friends of Valloria came to be. Thanks to their initiative the town is now a central figure in a whole row of artistic and cultural events, which have in the meantime become fixtures in thousands of Italian and foreign calendars.



No one knows exactly who had the idea to let the doors be at the disposal of the artist, but nonetheless Valloria is a extraordinary open air museum for fascinating paintings. Every year a group of artists is invited to the town and are given complete artistic freedom to do whatever they please to a few doors. This event is normally held during the first weekend of July. And so Valloria has found itself a home in the small circle of artistic towns in Italy who have joined Association of Painted Towns, also known as the “Paesi dipinti” (“Assipad”) of Varese, founded in 1996.



The key to the enthusiasm that Valloria conjures lies within the hospitality of its residents which most notably comes out during the two major, and legendary, town events during the first weekends of July and August. The motto of these events is “A Valloria fai baldoria", which means nothing more than that there is a large party going on. Both events showcase not only the artistic side of painting, but the filling side of Ligurian gastronomy. After everyone is full from all the wonderful food, it is off to dance in the olive groves amidst the trees where invariably new friendships are made and everyone decides they are definitely coming back soon…or at least next year.