Discover Borgomaro: History, Trails and Conio Beans

Borgomaro Between History and Landscape

Borgomaro can be discovered through its historic buildings, old paths and the agriculture of its hamlets. Castello del Maro is a medieval fortification built to control the Valle Impero; today, impressive ruins remain.

The historic Via Marenca also shapes an understanding of the area: it connected Piedmont, France and the northern regions with the coast. A strategically important section connected the Impero, Maro and Prelà valleys with Oneglia. The medieval Ponte di Conio is a single-arch bridge and part of the historic valley route.

Conio and Its Historic Buildings

In Borgomaro’s namesake hamlet, Castello di Conio was built around the 13th century as a strategic stronghold. Pieve dei Santi Nazario e Celso has early Christian origins, was rebuilt in the 15th century and extensively renovated in the 17th century. Today, it is cared for by a Benedictine monastic community.

In Conio, the Church of San Maurizio has a rustic bell tower made of hewn stone. Its naves feature arches and columns made of black stone. Conio is also home to a washhouse in a low-lying chamber. The square basin is accessible from all sides and fitted with slate slabs. Palazzo Guglieri preserves typical architectural features of the Ligurian nobility, including finely worked stone portals and framed windows.

Beans, Olives and Local Specialties

Fagioli di Conio are a particularly high-quality white bean variety. They have been cultivated for centuries on the fertile, well-irrigated soils of Conio, a hamlet of the municipality of Borgomaro. Conio white beans are available from all local producers. Borgomaro also hosts the Conio Bean Festival, a celebration honoring a product of particular importance to Borgomaro.

Olive cultivation has long been practiced in Ville San Sebastiano on typical terraces supported by imposing dry-stone walls. Near the historic connecting route between Conio and Borgomaro stands the Ruve du Megu, a monumental oak tree.

Historic Trails and Activities

At San Lazzaro Reale, the historic mule track toward Lucinasco and the Via Marenca crosses the Impero River over a late-15th-century two-arch bridge that can be crossed on foot. The “Nell'Oliveto” experience offers walking trails across typical terraces supported by dry-stone walls, which were already built between the years 1000 and 1200, as well as mountain-biking routes along an unpaved road and among olive trees.

Oil Production and Historic Everyday Culture

The “Frangitura Attuale” experience includes a visit to a modern olive oil mill. A guided tour in English or French explains every stage of the processing, and visitors can see the machinery. The former Arcolao ice house is located on Salita Sant’Anna. Ice collected from the Impero River during the coldest months was stored there until the warmer season.

More Destinations

Montegrazie, Riva Faraldi, Pornassio, Bajardo, Chiusanico, San Bartolomeo Al Mare, Prela Castello, Civezza

For the overview of the wider area: Imperia.