The Castle of the Doria at Dolceacqua, Orange Flag of the Touring Club of Italy
A village with an ancient history, situated at the end of the Val Nervia valley, not far from the border with France, and divided into two parts that are joined by a Romanesque bridge, “a jewel of lightness”. The oldest section, composed of tall, narrow houses with flower-laden balconies that face the little lanes known as “carugi”, sits at the foot of the monumental castle of the Doria family. The flatter and more open section has artisan’s workshops, characteristic restaurants and fragrant cellars where it is possible to taste the famous Rossese wine, a typical local product that is exclusive to the region.
Today restoration work has brought new life to the 12th century castle providing the opportunity for ladies and gentlemen of the 21st century to hold wedding festivities in medieval style within the walls and in the exterior spaces of this fascinating castle, favoured by the French painter Claude Monet, and visited by an illustrious guest, Napoleon Bonaparte.