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Imperia is
the fourth largest town in Liguria. It became a municipality
in 1923 as a consequence of the union of Oneglia and Porto
Maurizio, two towns on the Western Riviera divided by the
mouth of the River Impero. The two nuclei remain distinct
despite the administrative merger and extensive property development.
Porto Maurizio was an ally of Genoa from the thirteenth century
onwards, while Oneglia, the natural sea outlet of the Impero
Valley, was allied with the House of Savoy from 1576. Oneglia's
origins as a town date back to mediaeval times. Worth visiting
are Palazzo Doria (now completely transformed), which was
the birthplace of Andrea Doria, and the church of San Giovanni
Battista. Porto Maurizio, which stands on a promontory, began
to develop after 1000 AD: the oldest district is called Parasio.
The cathedral and the historic buildings are well worth visiting.
( Tanks to Region of Liguria )
 Imperia
Olive Oil
The
search for the right olive oil has become a real life mission
for culinary experts and food lovers, who are always on the
lookout for genuine taste and authenticity. Olive oil is indeed
a key ingredient to make every dish as true to its origins
as possible. Each region offers distinctly different olive
oils depending on the region's climate, soil, cultivar, and
time of harvest. Ligurian olive oils are renowned for being
particularly mild in contrast to Tuscan or Apulian olive oils
that are particularly strong and fruity. The scarcity of arable
land restricts agriculture, and vines and olives must grow
on barely accessible slopes terraced all the way down to the
sea. However, the mild climate is very favorable to the growth
of olive trees and cultivation has been widespread for centuries.
There are different theories on the origin of olive cultivation
in Liguria; some say that monks spread it, others think that
crusaders and explorers brought it from the Orient, and finally
others argue that Ligurians already were growing olive trees
since the time of the Ancient Romans. The most extensive groves
lie in the Eastern part of Liguria, mainly in the Imperia
and Savona provinces. Here there are many cultivars grown,
including the region's principal variety, the Taggiasca. Additional
varieties are the Lizona, Morino, Olivana, Razzola, and Colombaia.
Legend tells that olive oil from Imperia was introduced to
the court of France by Caterina de' Medici, on suggestion
of a Ligurian monk, who taught the sovereign to eat artichokes
in pinzimonio (dipped in olive oil and salt). ( Tanks to La
Cucina Italiana Magazine )
Hotel
Suggestion near Imperia : Hotel
Royal Sanremo*****L Hotel
Seagull Ventimiglia***
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FRENCH
RIVIERA 
