Olivetta San Michele: Hiking, History and Regional Culture

Olivetta San Michele combines an elevated position above the Bevera torrent with paths into the mountain landscape and a strong regional culture. The entire municipal area formally belongs to Liguria’s historic Occitan-speaking minority. San Michele lies on the state road to the Colle di Tenda; the Borgata San Michele also has a railway station on the Ventimiglia–Cuneo railway line. This creates a place where landscape, history and local identity come together directly.

Landscape along the Bevera and Monte Grammondo

The landscape includes the Monte Grammondo – Torrente Bevera protected area. It encompasses the ecologically valuable meanders of the Bevera and makes the river landscape an important part of the surroundings. Olivetta is also a starting point for hikes on the 1,378-metre-high Monte Grammondo. Those who want to combine nature and exercise will find several different starting points here for planning their day.

History between fortress and churches

Olivetta was the main village, to which further villages and hamlets were attached and which were controlled by the nearby Castello di Penna. The fortress was built by the Counts of Ventimiglia. The Republic of Genoa used the Castello di Penna as a stronghold against the Duchy of Savoy. The remains of the medieval Penna castle are now located on a hill in French territory near Piene-Haute. Olivetta San Michele is also associated with a historically significant Roman bridge.

In the Fanghetto district, the Chiesa degli Angeli Custodi was converted from a former oratory into a church in 1820; it houses 17th-century canvases. The parish church Chiesa parrocchiale di Sant'Antonio di Padova was heavily bombed in 1944 during the Second World War, partially rebuilt after the war and decorated with frescoes again by Raimondo Barbadirame. Both churches display different historical layers of the municipal area.

Hiking trails with different focuses

The Sentiero Geologico-Naturalistico del Grammondo connects Torri, Collabassa and Olivetta San Michele along the watershed between the Roja and Bevera valleys. Numerous information panels accompany the route, which has viewpoints overlooking the deeply cut meanders of the Bevera. A mule track cut into the rock leads over the Col di Vescovo and Piene Haute in France to Monte Grammondo. A trail also begins at Ponte Roncone and climbs the slope towards Monte Grammondo. The Anello di Bossarè is a 3.509-kilometre route in the municipality of Olivetta San Michele. The different trail connections and the stated length of the circular route help you organize hiking plans according to your interests and the time available during the day, without equating the routes.

Local traditions and choosing your accommodation

Traditional local activities include viticulture and olive growing. Another local tradition is the collection of medicinal and essential plants for lavender distillation. These aspects complement the historical and landscape impressions with a glimpse into the town’s traditional activities. When choosing accommodation for your stay, you can therefore view Olivetta San Michele as a base for exploring cultural and historical attractions, regional local culture and hiking destinations around Monte Grammondo.

More places for planning your trip to Italy: Carpasio, Aurigo, Diano Marina, Bellissimi, Dolcedo, San Bartolomeo Di Caravonica, Borgomaro, Santo Stefano Al Mare.

For the overarching travel overview: Imperia.