This coastal Ligurian city has a strong connection to olive oil production, with many 18th-century stone mills still intact. Its beaches stretch along the Italian Riviera.
Imperia sits on Italy's Ligurian coast, with the Impero river running through its center. In Porto Maurizio, you can climb narrow medieval lanes to reach Italy's largest cathedral, while in Oneglia, fishermen bring their daily catch to the harbor lined with pastel houses. Visit Villa Grock, the eccentric mansion of a famous Swiss clown, now a circus museum, or walk among centuries-old olive groves where farmers still harvest taggiasca olives.
Walking Porto Maurizio's Old Town
Porto Maurizio occupies a peninsula, with medieval lanes called carrugi leading to the hilltop. The Cathedral of San Maurizio rises above the city with its twin 36-meter bell towers and white neoclassical facade. Take one of two funiculars or walk through the old town quarter, Parasio, to reach the cathedral. Visit between 8:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 daily, with local guides available on weekends.
The Port of Oneglia
Oneglia's port buzzes with activity as fishing boats arrive at Calata Cuneo, surrounded by pastel-colored houses. Walk from Piazza Dante to Via Bonfante, where covered arcades shelter the main shopping area. Near the port, you'll find the 18th-century baroque church of San Giovanni Battista, designed after Rome's Santa Maria della Quercia.
Villa Grock and Its Museum
Swiss clown Adrien Wettach (Grock) built his 1930s mansion with Art Nouveau details and classical architectural elements. The villa now houses a three-floor museum about circus arts, displaying Grock's original costumes, photographs, and performance memorabilia.
Local Food and Markets
Imperia's cuisine draws from both maritime and agricultural traditions. Try torta verde, a thin pastry filled with eggs, cheese, and local chard. Sample piscialandrea, a focaccia with tomato sauce, anchovies, black olives, and capers, named after Andrea Doria. Local black taggiasca olives add flavor to many dishes. Visit Oneglia's covered market every morning except Sundays for fresh produce and regional foods.
Getting Around
Two train stations serve Imperia, one in each district, approximately 2 kilometers apart. Exit the A10 motorway (Autostrada dei Fiori) at Imperia East or West. Buses run between Porto Maurizio and Oneglia every 20 minutes. Walk along the seafront promenade between districts in about 30 minutes.
