Discover Villatalla: Churches, Old Paths and Olive Landscapes

Villatalla lies at the upper end of the Val Prino in a panoramic location with sweeping views. Historic buildings, old pathways and local food culture give the village several distinct facets. If, for your trip to Italy, you would like to weigh history, landscape and regional everyday life together, Villatalla offers concrete points of connection.

Historical Traces in Villatalla

One of the notable historic buildings is the parish church of San Michele. It was built in the 15th century over an older Romanesque church and later redesigned in the Baroque style. This building therefore brings together an older Romanesque foundation, its construction in the 15th century and its later Baroque alterations in one place.

The Madonna della Neve Chapel features stone architraves and, based on these architectural elements, is dated to around 1520. Traces of ancient settlements have also been preserved in the area around Villatalla. The “Colombera” tower is dated to a period between approximately 150 and 1550. In the village and its surroundings, you will thus encounter sacred architecture, traces of ancient settlements and a historic tower, each with its own chronological context.

Old Paths and Hiking Connections

On the trekking route from Villatalla via Monte Moro to Tavole, you follow the Via Marenca as far as Passo del Maro and from there head south towards the summit of Monte Moro. In addition, the Madonna della Neve church is located along an old mule track that connected Villatalla with the high-altitude trail and the Valle Argentina. The two descriptions refer to different route connections: one route heading towards the summit of Monte Moro and one historic link towards the high-altitude trail and the Valle Argentina.

Olives and Local Food Culture

Around 1100, the Benedictines began replacing scrubland with olive trees in the area, making olives an important part of the landscape. Olive cultivation is therefore linked to a historic transformation of the landscape.

Local efforts to preserve the culinary heritage include cooking classes taught by older women from the village for teenagers and children. The program also includes days when visitors collect edible wild herbs and then sample them in complete, reproducible menus. Exhibition markets featuring local products round out the offerings. If you would like to discover regional cuisine not only through finished dishes but also through knowledge, ingredients and local produce, these three formats cater to different interests.

Getting There via Line 24

Riviera Trasporti’s Line 24 runs via Imperia Oneglia, Dolcedo and Prelà to Villatalla. If you choose accommodation in Villatalla, you can consider the village’s location alongside your historical, landscape and culinary interests.

Further Places for Regional Orientation

Bussana, Apricale, Rocchetta Nervina, Borgomaro, Vasia, San Bartolomeo Di Caravonica, Gorleri and Perinaldo

For the overarching travel overview: Imperia.