Pigna: Where Time Stands Still in the Ligurian Alps
The Historic Old Town
Pigna lies not far from Dolceacqua, on the left bank of the Nervia river. Monte Altomoro, on the heights of Pigna, stands at the head of the Nervia valley. The comune has around 750 inhabitants, and the old town presents a maze of interwoven, mostly vaulted, dark alleys on a hillside. Its fountains, old portals, winding alleys and stairways invite exploration.
Piazza Castello
Climbing to Piazza Castello is worth the effort for the views of the surrounding landscape and the neighbouring village of Castel Vittorio.
San Michele Arcangelo and the Canavesio Polyptych
In Pigna, the church of San Michele Arcangelo holds a polyptych by Canavesio.
Local Food
Pigna’s own white bean, the fagiolo bianco di Pigna, is a Slow Food presidium.
Hiking into Pigna from Colle Melosa
A trek to Pigna can start from Rifugio Franco Allavena at Colle Melosa, at 1,545 m above sea level and described as the highest mountain hut in Liguria. From Colle Melosa the route goes to Monte Grai. From Sella d’Agnaira it crosses the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, briefly enters France, then follows the Sentiero degli Alpini, which is cut into the rock of Monte Toraggio. It reaches Passo Scarassan in about 4 hours and continues from there to Pigna.
The stage to Passo Scarassan alone takes about 4 hours, with the onward stretch to Pigna still to come, so plan the day with that in mind.
Getting There and Practical Information
To reach the Nervia valley by car, leave the A10 motorway at the Bordighera exit and follow the Val Nervia provincial road. Without a car, visitors can reach the Nervia valley on Riviera Trasporti buses that leave from Ventimiglia; services can change, so check the current timetable on the Riviera Trasporti website before you travel. The route through the valley passes Dolceacqua, and Pigna, Apricale and Perinaldo lie not far away on the left bank of the Nervia; all are worth a visit.
With its medieval alleys, Pigna feels like a destination off the beaten tourist path, and this village in the Ligurian Alps suits a day trip or a longer stay.
