Apricale, Medieval village in Nervia Valley, Liguria, Italy
Apricale is a commune in the province of Imperia, located on a hillside with traditional stone buildings and narrow winding streets. The layout creates a network of passages between clustered houses with arched doorways, where alleyways connect different levels of the settlement.
The settlement originated in the medieval period as a fortified outpost in the Nervia Valley to protect regional trade routes. A castle with towers was built during this era and continues to define the village profile today.
The village maintains its medieval character through narrow lanes and stone buildings where locals go about their daily routines. You will notice how residents use the small squares as gathering places and keep their homes decorated with flowers and traditional details.
The village sits on a hillside and is best explored on foot, as the narrow streets are not suitable for vehicles once inside. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the terrain includes steep sections and uneven stone surfaces throughout the settlement.
The village church holds wall paintings from previous centuries that show religious art traditions of the region. Parts of these frescoes are partially visible from outside as you walk through the narrow passages.
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