Apricale

Apricale sits on a sun-drenched hill in the Merdanzo Valley, a side valley of the Nervia, about 13 km from the coast and 15 km from Ventimiglia. The name derives from the Latin "apricus" (sunny) – and indeed, the village enjoys the Ligurian sun all day long.

The medieval village from the 9th century is one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" (Borghi più belli d'Italia) and bears the Bandiera Arancione of the Touring Club Italiano. With only about 600 inhabitants, it is a living open-air museum: The facades of the stone houses are adorned with around 50 murals, created by Italian and international artists.

The centerpiece is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, overlooked by the Castello della Lucertola (Lizard Castle) from the 12th century and the Church of Purificazione di Maria Vergine with its pink neo-romantic facade. The narrow alleys (Caruggi) with their stone arcades and covered passages lead past old washing places, Gothic portals, and hidden courtyards.

Apricale possesses the oldest autonomous municipal constitution in Liguria from the year 1267, which is preserved in the Museo della Storia di Apricale in the castle. The village initially belonged to the Counts of Ventimiglia, and from 1276 to the Doria family.

In summer, Apricale transforms into a theater stage: "Teatro della Tosse" brings performances to the alleys and squares. Since an art action by Sergio Bianco, a bicycle has been perched on the church bell tower, pointing to the sky – "La forza della non gravità" (The Force of Non-Gravity).