Pigna

Pigna is located at the upper end of Val Nervia, at around 280 m altitude, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Ligurian Prealps: Monte Toraggio (1,973 m) and Monte Pietravecchia (2,040 m), which are referred to as the "Little Dolomites". The village with approximately 800 inhabitants has held the Bandiera Arancione since 2009.

The name "Pigna" (pinecone) refers to the coniferous forests that once surrounded the village. The old town is a fascinating labyrinth of vaulted, dark alleys – locally called "chibi" (from cupi = dark) – which wind up the slope in a spiral-like manner, resembling a pinecone.

The cultural center is formed by Piazza XX Settembre with the Loggia della Piazza Vecchia from the 15th century and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Inside the church is a monumental polyptych (4 meters high) by Giovanni Canavesio from 1500, depicting Saint Michael battling the devil – one of the most significant artworks in Western Liguria.

The Madonna-Assunta thermal spring with sulfur-rich water (32°C) has been known since the Middle Ages. The modern thermal bath "Antiche Terme di Pigna" was opened in 2000 and offers wellness treatments in a picturesque landscape.