Civezza in Italy | Province of Imperia, Liguria
Visit this typical village of the Ligurian hinterland with its narrow streets and a medieval atmosphere in Italy.
Civezza
A calm village in the beautiful Ligurian Alps
Adventurous walks and hikes through olive groves and riverbeds are on offer here
Travel tips
The bell tower of the church of San Marco peeps out from the olive trees. The church dates from the fifteenth-century but was embellished in 1783 during the restoration work carried out by Carrega, the architect who re-organised the interior into a single nave and added ornamental stucco work to both the bell tower and the façade. The church holds a statue of the Madonna dated 1645 and two paintings by Martinelli. As you leave the church, a short walk brings you to the oratory of San Giovanni, which for a long time was used as a priory.
Olive growing and oil production have always been the most important economic activities in this region, which those days had very many oil mills. Accordingly, one of the old oil mills was, for example, turned into a multi-purpose congress hall for the community. You can truly enjoy the beauty of the landscape while touring Torre Paponi or while on an excursion to Monte Faudo and the surrounding villages. Those who prefer to leave the car at home can set off on a wonderful hiking or mountain-bike tour. Thereafter, one can settle down for a comfortable dinner in one of the two wonderful restaurants in Civezza.
History
Civezza lies on a hilltop hidden among the Mediterranean vegetation. This mediaeval town in the Rio San Lorenzo Valley has narrow streets typical of towns in the Imperia hinterland area; its houses are built up around the two remaining towers of the five that originally defended the inhabitants from pirate raids.
Because the town was so close to the sea (the town stands just a few kilometres at an altitude of only 225 metres from the mouth of the San Lorenzo river) it was constantly raided by the Frassineto pirates.
How to reach
Civezza is one of the villages in the province of Imperia which lies in the region of Liguria. Near Civezza are several other villages like: Torrazza (3.3 km), Poggi (3.3 km) and San Lorenzo al Mare (4.3 km). Turn from the highway exit to Imperia Ovest and take the road to the left towards the coastal street. When you come to the SS1 take the right turn, and shortly after the port facility at San Stefano al Mare, turn right again onto the SP44 towards Civezza.
