Perinaldo – between the medieval historic centre and the starry sky

Perinaldo lies on a 572-metre-high ridge above a natural amphitheatre. Centuries-old olive groves, broom, mimosa and vineyards shape the landscape, which stretches as far as the sea. In the historic centre, small squares and carrugi preserve the character of a medieval village.

Discovering the starry sky in Perinaldo

The “G.D. Cassini” Astronomical Observatory has a 380 mm Newtonian telescope, as well as other telescopes and educational instruments. They are used to observe the Sun during the day and stars, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies in the evening. The range therefore extends from observing the Sun in daylight to viewing distant celestial objects at night.

During the day and in the evening, the observatory offers guided tours at the scheduled times. A large wheel aligned with the Pole Star helps visitors locate circumpolar constellations. On Via G.D. Cassini, the “Sistema Solare” installation also depicts the planets up to Saturn at a scale of 1:10 billion.

Church, sundial and historic architecture

The Chiesa della Visitazione is also known as Madonna del Poggio del Reo and is a 17th-century building in Perinaldo. It includes a meridian sundial with a 15-millimetre gnomonic aperture and an almost 20-metre-long meridian line. Access to the sundial is subject to the church’s public opening hours. On your walk, the architecture of a historic religious building combines here with a precise astronomical instrument.

Castello Maraldi is a historically significant aristocratic building in Perinaldo. Its present appearance was created by converting the old birthplace of the Maraldi family around 1804. The Castello is privately owned and can only be accessed during guided tours organised by the municipality. This information is important when planning a visit, because the building cannot be accessed independently of such tours.

Hiking between Apricale and Perinaldo

The Apricale–Perinaldo hiking trail takes 1 hour 30 minutes to walk; its elevation ranges from 150 to 410 metres, so walking time and elevation profile should be considered together for personal planning.

Local produce and traditional recipes

On the second Sunday in May, the “Rassegna gastronomica del carciofo di Perinaldo e dell’olio extravergine di oliva taggiasca” takes place. The village streets then host a market for fresh produce, as well as tastings prepared according to traditional local recipes. Artichokes from Perinaldo and Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil take centre stage. The event adds a seasonal highlight for anyone wishing to combine a visit to the village with regional produce and local food culture.

More destinations for your planning

Bussana, Pieve Di Teco, Diano Evigno, Cartari, Cipressa, Airole, Riva Ligure and Termini

To the overarching travel overview: Imperia.