Dolceacqua, Italy
Dolceacqua is a commune in the Province of Imperia, Liguria region, Italy. The town is located not far from the border with France about 9km north of the Strada Statale 1 near Ventimiglia.
Claude Monet was enchanted with the village and in 1884 drew the view of the village, the Castle and of the Roman bridge. The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) was built in the 15th century on the ruins of an earlier bridge.
Dolceacqua consists of two parts: the “Terra”, the oldest part of the village, the one built all uphill, clinging to the castle, and the “Borgo”, later arose on the flat right bank of the Nervia.
Terra consists of a web of narrow streets, stairs, arches and covered passages. The village was built with a semi-circle system around the castle creating a series of sectors that could easily be isolated and defended.
Doria Castle of Dolceacqua dates back to 1177, in 1746 the castle was besieged by the armies French and Spanish and almost destroyed. But parts of the orginal structure still survive.
Look for red wine flowing from the Fontana del Rossese. Well, it’s not really wine, but wouldn’t it be good if it was. The Rossese wine must be tried while in Dolceacqua. Napolean fell in love with the drink and Pope Paul III had his Roman cellars supplied with it.
For more on Dolceacqua and 19 other inspiring Italian locations – 20 Must-See Destinations in Italy.