Praelo: Watchtower Traces and Historic Olive Mill

Praelo above Val Prino

Praelo is situated on the hill overlooking Val Prino. At the same time, it is a small village where only a few families now live. Its elevated position above the valley and its small village community give the place a clearly limited spatial setting. For those interested in culture, the range therefore extends from religious architecture and preserved tower remains to craft technology.

Parish Church of San Bartolomeo

The most important religious building in Praelo is the parish church of San Bartolomeo. The church was rebuilt in 1839. Those interested in religious buildings and specific construction dates will find an independent cultural point of reference here within Praelo. The parish church is therefore one of the clearly designated historic buildings in the village.

Traces of the Watchtower

Praelo developed around a watchtower. The former watchtower contains a farmers’ room and a well for the water supply. The remains of a square tower have been preserved in a storage building next to the home of the Gandolfi family in Praelo. Its entrance is framed by a pointed arch made of two dressed stone blocks; beside it are iron door-hinge sockets. The pointed arch gives the entrance a distinctive shape, while the iron door-hinge sockets complement the stone blocks with small metal details.

Olive Mill and Craft Technology

Praelo is home to an animal-powered olive mill dating from the 15th century. The heavy wheels and the wooden gears above them in the historic olive mill are in perfect condition. At the mill, the focus shifts from sacred and military architecture to drive systems and mechanics. Those interested in technology will encounter animal power, heavy wheels, and wooden gears here in a historical context.

Hiking with a Generous Time Allowance

A hike from Molini di Prelà to Prelà Castello passes at an elevation of 285 m in the direction of Praelo. In addition, a hike including studio visits takes approximately 7 to 7¾ hours. This duration is decisive for day planning as soon as the studio visits form part of the excursion. The route towards Praelo and the additional cultural programme therefore require a generous time allowance. Those combining both should plan not only the route but also the longer stay for the entire hiking day. The hike thus remains an independent item in the day’s itinerary, while the studio visits provide an additional cultural focus.

Notice Concerning the Drinking Water Supply

For Praelo, an interruption to the drinking water supply from 00:00 to 06:00 on Friday, 31 July 2026, had been announced until the end of the water emergency.

Further Places for Travel Planning

For further travel planning, you can also explore Bellissimi, Ciapin, Ville San Pietro, Santo Stefano Al Mare, Serreta, Cervo, Ospedaletti and Borgomaro.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.