Carpasio Between History, Forest and Sea Views

Carpasio combines a culture of remembrance, sacred architecture, forest landscapes and regional cuisine. The Museo della Resistenza, historic churches, the Santuario Madonna di Ciazzime and trails such as the Sentiero delle Trunette give a journey several clearly distinct focal points.

History, Churches and Places of Remembrance

The Museo della Resistenza di Carpasio displays documents, photographs, memorabilia, uniforms, weapons, ammunition, field radios and other wartime equipment. It is located in the Casone where the command of the Prima Zona Liguria operated. Nearby, a large hollow chestnut trunk still stands; it served as emergency shelter for wounded fighters and provided protection for up to seven people.

The Chiesa di Sant'Antonino is a parish church from the 15th century dedicated to Saint Antoninus. Its Romanesque bell tower dates from 1404, is 35 metres high and has an inclination of 1.60 metres. A staircase with 112 steps leads to its upper viewing balcony.

The Oratorio dei Santi Carlo e Rocco contains a Baroque altar with four twisted columns. Holy Mass is celebrated there every year on 16 August. The Castello della Ruinata (Carpasio) was occupied by the people of Oneglia in 1234.

Carpasio's historic pastoral tradition was connected with the Strada Marenca; shepherds from Carpasio used it to reach the summer pastures in Navette. Carpasio also preserves the memory of the former shared use of pastures and forests with Triora. Medieval Christian cross-shaped rock carvings can be found in the Bosco degli Ormè.

Forest Trails and Sacred Landscapes

The Santuario Madonna di Ciazzime lies peacefully surrounded by forests and offers far-reaching views of the sea. Along the level path to the sanctuary stand terracotta Stations of the Cross created by the sculptor Fede Saccheri, who came from Carpasio. The sanctuary displays votive offerings that bear witness to the graces received by the faithful. The Santuario Madonna di Ciazzime is a destination for walks in both summer and winter.

The Sentiero delle Trunette follows a trail overlooking waterfalls and numerous pools in the Carpasina stream. A frequently suggested route leads from Carpasio's town centre via the medieval Ponte della Confraria towards Monte Grande.

Lavender and a Local Specialty

The Museo della Lavanda di Carpasio comprises three rooms; two of them are dedicated to lavender processing and its many uses, and contain distillation apparatus. The museum is arranged over three floors of a former nursery school. From April to October, morning opening hours from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon are scheduled from Monday to Saturday, while afternoon visits and visits on public holidays are available by appointment.

Pane d'orzo Carpasinn-a is a hard, twice-baked barley bread from Carpasio and the Valle Argentina. This durable regional bread specialty is therefore also one of the tangible impressions that characterise the village beyond its buildings and trails.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

You can also open these destinations for your travel planning: Pigna, Vessalico, Vallecrosia, Taggia, Fanghetto, Collabassa, Soldano, Dolcedo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.