Apricale, the Village of the Sun.

Apricale is accessible by car from the nearby town of Ventimiglia and is nestled in a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery. Founded in the 10th century, the village exudes a timeless ambiance with its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Visiting Apricale is like taking a step back in time, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The ancient alleyways of the village are highly evocative and lead to true treasures of the past, such as the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the well-preserved Castle of the Lizard, perched on a hill.

Access to the village can be made starting from the old drawbridge, just outside the town, where once there was a well fountain and ancient washhouses, to reach the Church of the Madonna degli Angeli, dating back to around the year one thousand. Later transformed into a place of worship in the 1400s, the church consists of a single rectangular nave, divided into three bays, closed by the apse. The frescoes present were created between the 15th and 17th centuries and were restored by the Superintendence for Artistic and Historical Heritage of Liguria in the years 1989-1990

Church of the Purification of the Virgin Mary with Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Lizard Castle

Symbol of Apricale's art, the bicycle on the bell tower, a work by the artist Sergio Bianco

Detail of a street in Apricale

Since the 1960s, Apricale has become a destination for many internationally renowned Italian and foreign artists who have created numerous murals. Some depict scenes of rural life, while others are more imaginative and portray the faces of women and men, a product of the artistic fervor that dominated those years. A particular work of art can be found on the bell tower of the Church of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, which incorporates the ancient square tower of the Lizard Castle erected alongside it. At the top, an artwork titled 'The Force of Non-Gravity' was placed in 2000, featuring a bicycle, created by Sergio Bianco.

Other works of art, this time very unique with shades of color and forms, catch my interest. They are visible everywhere, adding colorful details to the narrow streets of the village near every entrance of the stone houses. These are the small, colorful mailboxes, crafted from wood by artisans Fabio Castelli and Annalisa Scardeoni, and have become an icon of Apricale. Their passion and creativity captivate the many customers who can't help but be fascinated by these handcrafted objects, truly unique pieces.

The pictorial art found at every corner of the village goes hand in hand with the culinary art. In Apricale, you can savor local dishes cooked with great passion by skilled hands. The first courses, the main dishes, and the desserts fill the streets with enticing aromas, attracting both Italian and, especially, foreign tourists. They don't miss the opportunity to take home these culinary memories, which are the pride of Italian cuisine worldwide.