Holiday apartment in Borgo D'oneglia: culture among alleyways and olive trees

Borgo d’Oneglia lies on a hill opposite the Costa d’Oneglia district and is surrounded by the greenery of terraces and olive trees. The village is divided into two parts known as Borgo Grande and Borgo Piccolo. As a result, a clearly recognisable settlement structure, a rural landscape and a remarkable density of historic buildings come together here.

Church and art in Borgo d’Oneglia

The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo dates from the 18th century and was built in the Baroque style. In accordance with Article 10, paragraph 1 of Italian Legislative Decree No. 42/2004, it has been declared cultural property of cultural interest. The church houses a polyptych dated 1551 by the painter Francesco Brea, who came from Nice, which was recently restored. The multi-panel work depicts the Madonna and Child, Saint Peter, Saint John, the Annunciation and the Pietà. Those interested in religious art, regional history and the impact of historic architectural forms will find several themes brought together in one place here.

Alleyways, palazzo and living local history

Despite the earthquake of 1887, Borgo d’Oneglia has largely preserved the original layout of its alleyways and main square. At the entrance to the village stands the Palazzo del Conte Riccardi di Lantosca. The washhouses are also tangible traces of everyday life in the past. The washhouse on Via Rosa dates from the early 1930s, is well preserved and is still in use. It has alternating-use basins and work surfaces covered with slate slabs. For a trip with children, such varied discoveries can provide diverse points of interest: a palazzo, a historic square, narrow alleyways and a building that is still in use each tell the story of the village in their own way.

Washhouses and olive landscape

Another very old and locally rare structure is the washhouse on Piazza della Croce. There, a simple barrier with an inclined surface in the stream forms a natural basin like a dam. The very old washhouse in Borgo Piccolo has a basin that is also used for irrigation, as well as a well beside it. The Museo dell’Olivo Imperia is also located nearby. Together with the terraces and olive trees, these places draw attention to the connection between landscape, water and regional everyday culture.

A holiday apartment in Borgo d’Oneglia as a base

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Borgo d’Oneglia, you can plan your stay around the themes that interest you most. The church and the polyptych favour a cultural focus, while the alleyways, washhouses, terraces and olive trees combine a tour of the village with impressions of the landscape. The Museo dell’Olivo Imperia complements this selection in the nearby area. This allows you to link your choice of accommodation with a clear idea of whether you mainly want to discover architectural history, art, traditional structures or the surroundings shaped by olive trees.

More places for planning your trip

For additional ideas of places to visit, you can also include Gazzelli, Costa D'oneglia, Borgo Sant'agata, San Bartolomeo Al Mare, Vallebona, Prela, Praelo and Fanghetto in your considerations.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.