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Dolcedo lies in the middle of the Prino Valley and is the municipality with third highest amount of land given over to olive cultivation in the province of Imperia (30% of its territory). As an ancient feudal estate of the Clavesana family, the town began its expansion in the thirteenth century, when the Bishop of Albenga entrusted the church of San Tommaso to the friars of Lerins, who encouraged olive cultivation. This was the period in which the water-mills were built: the population then began to move out of the higher districts towards the riverside areas, including today's main district, which was at that time known as "Piazza" because it was a market town.





In 1228, the feudal estate passed into the hands of the Republic of Genoa. The municipality became independent in 1613.

In the alleyways of the old town centre, you can see the old artisan shops, while the ancient weights and measures marks are still visible in what is known as the "suttu munte" loggia. The buildings along the Prino and the single-span bridge are remaining signs of the town's former prosperity. The excellent acoustics of the main square make it an ideal place for the concerts and shows that take place on the black-and-white pavement outside the parish church of San Tommaso. Although of mediaeval origin, the church has a colourful eighteenth-century façade: a Baroque canopy frames the fifteenth-century portal. Deep blue Baroque decorations can also be admired inside the church; it also contains some precious works from the Genoese school, including some paintings of the Virgin Mary over the apse, which are attributed to the Carrega brothers. The bell tower is one of the highest in the region. Other monuments to be seen are the Saracen tower, the oratory of San Lorenzo and the church of San Domenico.



In the district of Ripalta there is a characteristic bridge that was once the only means of access to the town. During his childhood, the poet Giovanni Boine stayed in Lecchiore, a district ensconced among the olive groves. Excursions beginning in Dolcedo take you to some places of great natural interest, including Monte Faldo (1149 m.) as well as historic interest, such as Monte Folia, where archaeological finds have been made. The sanctuary of Lampedusa has for centuries been a destination for pilgrims. Dolcedo has a special court where elastic ball is played. For those who love horse-riding there are many riding schools in the area.

Prelà is situated in a lush natural basin run through by the River Prino and surrounded by an amphtheatre of low mountains, the highest of which is Monte Moro, a name which recalls the Saracen invasions. Together with 15 other municpalities it forms the Mountain Olive Community, which controls the quality of the valley's main resources: olives and superior quality olive oil.



Tradition has it that the Greeks arrived on the coast of the province of Imperia 2500 years ago and chose to settle in the Prino Valley, known in ancient times as "vallis aurea" or the golden valley. The first village grew up around the mills for producing olive oil. The entire valley was defended by the castle of Pietralata (of which only a few ruins remain) and it constituted an independent feudal estate in the territory of Oneglia under the protection of Genoa. In 1340, it became part of the estate that included Briga, Maro and Tenda until 1575, when it passed into the hands of the Savoys, who entrusted it to the D'Oria family.



At the foot of Monte Moro, in the mountain village of Villatalla, you will see shepherds taking their herds to pasture and it is possible to buy home-made cheeses here. Valloria has retained its mediaeval architecture: for some years it has been a favourite haunt of artists, who paint the doors of the houses, and it has taken on the appearance of an open-air art gallery. The church of Santi Gervasio e Protasio preserves the first poliptych by Casanova (1523). A small mill is still in use; the old oratory is now used as a countryside art museum.



You really should visit is the fifteenth-century church of San Giovanni del Groppo in Molini di Prelà, a village in the lower valley that is crossed by the River Prino. The church preserves a work by Casanova. Then there is the municipal district of Tavole, which derives its name from the wooden planks that were made there for the Imperia shipyards.

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