The Doria Castle overlooks Dolceacqua, a village nestled on a hill. It is surrounded by small dwellings and a striking arched Roman bridge spanning the Nervia River. Claude Monet painted Dolceacqua four times due to its unique beauty.
However, the fascinating medieval aura is not the only reason to visit this place located inland from Ventimiglia: Rossese di Dolceacqua, the first wine in Liguria to receive the appellation of controlled origin, is an excellent oenological choice. Taste it and take it home as a souvenir. You can buy it at the Enoteca Regionale della Liguria, which has one of its branches in this very village in the province of Imperia.
An excellent glass of red wine is the ideal companion to simple, traditional and flavorful cuisine. Among the culinary specialties to try are barbagiuai: fried ravioli stuffed with boiled pumpkin puree and spicy bruss cheese. In addition, Taggiasca olives and fine olive oil are always present on the table, a symbol of the Ligurian Riviera dop olive-growing tradition.
I strongly recommend visiting the local olive mills. Witnessing the fascinating process of olive oil production firsthand is truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, you won’t find fresher or more delicious oils anywhere else. So go ahead and add this experience to your must-do list because I guarantee you won’t regret it!