Holiday apartment in Apricale: Medieval Heritage, Art and Taggiasca Olives

Apricale combines old stone houses, a steep mountain ridge and distinctive reminders of the town’s history. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Apricale will find a place whose character is shaped by medieval architecture, art, religious buildings and culinary traditions. The different highlights make it possible to tailor your stay to your own interests: one time, the historic town center may be the focus, while on another occasion it may be the landscape or regional cuisine.

Stone, Terraces and a Medieval Town Center

The old stone houses of Apricale extend along a steep mountain ridge dominated by the castle. The oldest central core dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The historic village also preserves a medieval town plan arranged around the castle. As a result, Apricale offers not only individual historic buildings, but also a cohesive townscape in which the buildings and the shape of the ridge are closely connected.

The surrounding area includes terraces supported by dry-stone walls. The slopes around Apricale are also home to olive groves as well as chestnut and pine forests.

Castello della Lucertola and the Town’s History

Castello della Lucertola was built in the 10th century by the Counts of Ventimiglia as a defensive fortress. Today, it houses the Museum of Apricale’s history. The castle also hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. It therefore combines historical significance, a dedicated museum and changing cultural uses in one place.

Another historical record takes us back to Apricale’s municipal statutes: they were first written in 1267 and are among the oldest in Liguria. Together with the castle, they create a varied picture for visitors who want to understand their stay not only through the landscape, but also through the development of the town.

Churches, Frescoes and Art in the Carrugi

The churches of Apricale also offer their own distinct highlights. The Chiesa della Purificazione di Maria Vergine has a mosaic floor. The Chiesa di S. Antonio Abate at the cemetery is a 13th-century chapel that preserves 15th-century interior frescoes. In the Chiesa di S. Maria degli Angeli, 15th-century frescoes cover the walls and vault. The three buildings showcase different forms of sacred design, ranging from a mosaic floor to richly decorated interiors.

A special connection between the townscape and more recent art history can be found in the carrugi of Apricale. Artists from Italy and abroad painted numerous murals there in the 1960s, depicting scenes from rural life. These motifs add images of everyday country life to the medieval atmosphere.

Taggiasca Olives and a Festival in September

The landscape of Apricale is also closely associated with the cultivation of Taggiasca olives. The land was terraced for this purpose. The areas supported by dry-stone walls and the olive groves are therefore not only part of the landscape, but are also connected with a regional agricultural tradition.

A culinary tradition can be experienced at the Sagra della Pansarola. This festival takes place on the second Sunday in September and is associated with sweet fritters. If you choose a holiday apartment in Apricale for a culture- and food-focused stay, you can therefore combine different interests: medieval town history, art in historic buildings, murals in the carrugi, olive cultivation and a festive event in September.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Apricale with other destinations, you can also include Vallebona, Villatalla, Gorleri, Ventimiglia, Diano Castello, Camporosso, Terzorio and Cartari in your further selection.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.