Dolceacqua

Dolceacqua is located at the entrance of Val Nervia, only 7 km from Ventimiglia, and is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria. The name means "sweet water" and is derived from the Roman landowner Dulcius, who once settled here.

The village is divided into two parts: The medieval old town "Terra" climbs the slope towards the Doria castle ruins, while the newer "Borgo" from the 19th century is located on the opposite riverbank. The two parts are connected by the Ponte Vecchio – an elegant arched bridge from the 15th century with a span of 33 meters, which the Impressionist Claude Monet referred to as a "jewel of lightness" in 1884 and painted several times.

The ruins of Castello dei Doria tower over the village. The mighty fortress from the 12th century was acquired by Oberto Doria in 1270 and expanded into a residence. Partially destroyed during the War of the Austrian Succession in 1744 and further damaged by an earthquake in 1887, it is now restored and houses a museum with rooms dedicated to the history of the Doria family, Monet, and local tradition.

The narrow, vaulted alleys (Caruggi) of the old town are built up to six stories high – a medieval solution to the lack of space on the steep slope. Everywhere, there are wine cellars, artist studios, and small shops selling local olive oil and the famous Rossese di Dolceacqua, the first DOC wine of Liguria.