Conio: Medieval Traces and Mountain Character

Conio: medieval traces and mountain character

Conio is a place whose character can be understood through its history, architectural forms, and local agriculture. Significant traces from the Middle Ages have been preserved here. Particularly striking is Castello di Conio: the castle was built around the 13th century. The stone roofs also emphasize Conio’s mountain character and give the townscape a clearly recognizable mountain-shaped form.

Churches and settlement history

The Church of San Maurizio has naves with arches and columns made of black stone. For you, this provides a concrete introduction to an architecture in which the material visibly shapes the interior.

The church of Conio could indicate Conio’s original settlement site. Later, the settlement was moved to the higher mountain ridge near the castle. Thus, Conio combines a possible early settlement location with the later settlement on the mountain ridge.

Washhouse, fountains, and townscape

The washhouse of Conio is another of the notable local structures. It is considered one of the most impressive washhouses in the valley, lies in a deep recess, and has a large square basin. The washhouse is accessible from all sides and features slate slabs. Conio also has several fountains, which add further tangible elements to the townscape.

Surroundings and geographical orientation

The peaks of Monte Grande and Monte Carpasina are located in the immediate surroundings of Conio. The town’s road network is also characterized by its branches. It branches downhill toward Borgomaro, toward Poggialto, and toward Passo di San Bernardo di Conio.

White beans from Conio and the Ligurian Alps

One distinctive aspect is found in Conio’s white beans. They are grown in the well-irrigated gardens below the town and are considered flavorful and renowned.

Fagioli bianchi delle Alpi Liguri, the white beans of the Ligurian Alps, are produced in the hinterland of Imperia, particularly in Pigna, Badalucco, and Borgomaro, including the hamlet of Conio. They are distinguished by a very mild flavor.

Conio as a travel choice

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation for your stay in Conio, you can focus on whether you would particularly like to explore medieval buildings, the mountain character of the townscape, or the white beans. This range is helpful for planning your trip if you would like to take the character of the place into account rather than focusing on just one attraction.

If you are planning your trip beyond Conio, these places will take you further: Mendatica, Borgo Sant'agata, Taggia, Rocchetta Nervina, Monade Santa Lucia, San Biagio Della Cima, Vallebona and Latte.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.