Imperia, Coastal municipality in Liguria, Italy
Imperia is a coastal town in Liguria formed by two historic districts separated by a river. The western district sits on a hill overlooking the sea, while the eastern part spreads along the coastal plain.
The two original settlements developed during the Middle Ages as separate port towns with different trading focuses. In the 20th century, they were merged together with surrounding villages into a single municipality.
This coastal town is known for its olive oil production, and many traditional mills still process olives from the surrounding hills. Visitors can walk through narrow lanes between old palazzi and discover local shops selling handcrafted products.
The main train station offers regular connections to other Ligurian coastal towns, and the motorway runs parallel to the shoreline north of the center. Most points of interest are reachable on foot, though steep streets in the western district should be considered.
The villa of a famous circus performer features unusual architectural details, including colorful mosaics and playful decorative elements that recall the stage world of its builder. The surrounding park combines formal garden design with surprising accents that reflect the artistic heritage of the estate.
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