Holiday apartment in San Lazzaro Reale: discover history by the river

San Lazzaro Reale lies at the confluence of the Rio Tresenda and the Torrente Impero. The typical Ligurian village is situated on a hillside; at the village, the Torrente Impero turns westward. The hillside location and the two waterways shape the immediate character of San Lazzaro Reale and provide the village’s history with a clear geographical setting.

Romanesque bridge and historic paths

One of the defining structures is the Romanesque bridge of San Lazzaro Reale. It has two arches and dates from the end of the 15th century. Historically, it formed part of an important road junction between the Via Marenca, Lucinasco, the main route along the Torrente Impero and Caravonica. The old mule tracks from Oneglia also branched off at San Lazzaro Reale into valley-floor and ridge paths towards Piedmont and other settlements in the valley. The history of these routes encompasses both the valley floor and the ridges as distinct historical spaces. The bridge thus leads directly from architectural history into the history of transport.

The first late-medieval building complexes were created along two historic routes. Originally, these building complexes served commercial purposes. Their location along the routes and their original use are among the early lines of development of San Lazzaro Reale. Their original commercial use links the development of the settlement with the site’s historic transport history.

Parish church, triptych and oratory

The parish church of San Lazzaro Reale was rebuilt in the 17th century. It houses a precious triptych depicting the Madonna and Child. The work is attributed to the workshop of the painter Guidi da Ranzo and dated to the 16th century. In addition, the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista is located in San Lazzaro Reale on Via don Tomatis. The triptych brings the art history of the 16th century into the church building rebuilt in the 17th century.

The history of the name also points to the village’s past. San Lazzaro Reale is historically connected with the events of the Valle del Maro. The name component “Reale” is considered a probable legacy of the rule of the House of Savoy. San Lazzaro Reale is also known as the home of the botanist Corradi. The possible connection to the House of Savoy and the link to Corradi establish two different historical accents.

Olive cultivation and traditions passed down through generations

Olive cultivation is one of the most important agricultural resources of San Lazzaro Reale. In the past, eel fishing was practised as a special sport in the waters of the Torrente Impero near the small village of San Lazzaro Reale. A patronal festival in honour of Saint Lazarus is recorded for San Lazzaro Reale on 31 August. Olive cultivation, former eel fishing and the festival tradition place different emphasis on agriculture, the river and religious tradition. Agriculture, the use of the river and religious tradition thus stand side by side as different aspects of the village’s history.

More places to discover: Bellissimi, Seborga, Montalto Ligure, Ville San Pietro, Borgo Sant'agata, Chiusavecchia, Vessalico, Serreta.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.