Dolcedo: Between Bridges, Olive Groves and History

Dolcedo between the Prino, five bridges and olive groves

Dolcedo combines historic buildings, paths through a Mediterranean landscape and an olive oil tradition that remains important to this day. Five bridges cross the River Prino. Particularly noteworthy is the Ponte Grande, which was built by the Knights of Malta in 1262. In the village and its surroundings, architecture, history and landscape come together within a compact thematic area.

Churches, Palazzata and historic traces in Dolcedo

The parish church of San Tommaso is late Gothic and preserves Dolcedo’s historic and artistic heritage. It acquired its present appearance through a reconstruction carried out from 1717 to 1738 according to plans by the architect Giacomo Filippo Marvaldi. The Chiesa di Castellazzo is considered the oldest building in the area. There is evidence of an early settlement at the site of the Chiesa di Castellazzo.

Other buildings also tell the story of the village’s past. The Palazzata of Dolcedo has loggias on its top floor. From 1505 onward, the Monte di Pietà was established in Dolcedo by the Dominican friar Father Agostino da Savona. Near Monte Follia, in the area of Dolcedo, traces of a metalworking site with furnaces and residential structures were found.

Paths through the forest and the Valle di San Lorenzo

The surrounding area offers a variety of landscapes for walks and longer outings, ranging from forests, vineyards and olive trees to the Valle di San Lorenzo. Paths in Dolcedo’s 100-hectare municipal forest descend between vineyards and olive trees towards Dolcedo. The Passeggiata dei Ponti begins at the Santa Brigida chapel in Dolcedo and leads through the Valle di San Lorenzo to Pietrabruna.

Other routes focus on different aspects. The Via del Sale in the area between Santa Brigida and Dolcedo is paved with stone. A cycling and riding route leads from Dolcedo to the Santa Brigida chapel and then over the ridge towards Passo Bastia and Passo della Vena. The walking trail to Monte Faudo also begins at the Santa Brigida chapel in Dolcedo. The two paths from Santa Brigida lead in different directions: the Passeggiata dei Ponti continues to Pietrabruna, while the walking trail to Monte Faudo leads to the mountain of the same name.

Olive oil as part of local life and the village’s history

The production of olive oil and products derived from it continues to be an important part of local employment in Dolcedo. As early as the 14th century, olive oil production earned the village the nickname “Conca d'Oro”. The nickname “Conca d'Oro” is part of the historical development of the local olive oil industry.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.