Dolceacqua – Relaxing Walks in Italy – A Beautiful Italian Village Tour – 4k video

Dolceacqua – Relaxing Walks in Italy – A Beautiful Italian Village Tour – 4k video

Welcome and we hope you enjoy our walk together around the beautiful village of Dolceacqua in Italy. The village is located 120 km southwest of Genoa and about 35 km west of Imperia on the Italian Riviera and stands at an elevation of 51 metres above sea level.

Dolceaqua is located on the River Nervia, in the province of Imperia in western Liguria, close to the Italian/French border and has a population of just over 2,000 people.

Dolceacqua is classified as one of the ‘I Borghi più belli d’Italia’ or most beautiful villages in Italy, one of 24 labeled villages by the association in Liguria.

The oldest part of the village, located at the foot of Monte Rebuffao, is dominated by the 12th century Doria Castle and is called by the local people, earth or ‘Terra’. The village was built in concentric semi-circles around the castle, created this way so that sectors could easily be isolated and defended.

Dolceacqua’s 15th-century arched bridge Ponte Vecchio, painted by Claude Monet in 1884, is known for its unique shape spanning the Nervia River. Monet described Dolceacqua during his visit in 1884 “Dolceacqua is superb, there is a bridge that is a jewel of lightness”.

Adjacent to the old bridge, the small, privately-owned Church of San Filippo, dedicated to Saint Philip Neri and built in 1714 by Andrea Conrieri for family burials, the church stands out with its charming pink hue typical of the Ligurian region.

It is said that the name Dolceacqua, originally derives from the name Dulcius, a local landowner from Roman times. The name has evolved to Dulcis-acquae and then Dolceacqua, which also means sweet water in Italian. The first citation is found on a document from 1151.

A fresco by Raimondo “Barbadirame” located near the Ponte Vecchio, in homage to Andrea Doria “Son of Dolceacqua on the part of his mother” Mario “Barbadirame” Raimondo, was born in Dolceacqua, in 1923. A disciple of Picasso, since 1959, he who defined himself as – the painter of goats and peasants.

Mario “Barbadirame” Raimondo was famously known for the appreciation of his art shown by great characters of his era, such as Princess Grace Kelly. The boat below depicts where Monet painted the famous 15th-century arched bridge Ponte Vecchio.

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Dating back to 1471, the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, with its colourful facade, and rich baroque interior it houses the stunning polyptych of Santa Devota, commissioned in 1515 by Francesca Doria to Ludovico Brea.

The Carugi are shaded, narrow streets that were easily defended in medieval times. Here you will see medieval stone houses, many as tall as six stories high. The Carugi are the typical alleys of the medieval part of village called “Téra”, a dense labyrinth of narrow lanes that lead to the Castello dei Doria.

Explore the village’s carugi, alive with artisan shops, cafe aromas, and the charm of history-rich alleys, echoing the villages of Triora and Apricale’s allure. Piazzetta dell’Armatore, characterised in the centre by the stone mosaic of the Grimaldi/Doria coat of arms and the beautiful holy shrine to the Virgin Mary.

Dolceacqua has been the longest-serving member of the touring club, Orange Flag in Italy since 2000. The Orange Flag is an eco-environmental quality mark awarded for excellency in tourism, hospitality and the environment.

Love our walking tours, please consider Buying us a Coffee, link in description below, helps keep the cameras rolling, so we can take more beautiful walks together with you. Located on the village’s main square is Palazzo Doria, a 17th-century residence of the Doria dynasty that was occupied following the destruction of their Doria Castle.

A distinctive Gothic-style portico was recently uncovered during some renovation work. Dolceacqua’s vineyards, cultivated since Hellenic times, produce the celebrated Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC, a red wine unique to the region with a bright ruby colour, fresh taste of blackcurrants, herbs and a warm scent that complements local cuisine.

Esteemed by historical figures like Napoleon and Pope Paul III, who sought its inclusion in their cellars, this wine, derived from the locally-specific Rossese grape found only in the Mediterranean Alps, underscores the area’s rich viticultural heritage.

As Liguria’s first DOC wine, Rossese di Dolceacqua is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Doria family’s influence on the region’s wine culture. The area is also well known for its excellent olives. Olive oil is made from taggiasca olives, known as Cailletier in English, which are less acidic than other varieties.

The Visionarium, by Ennio Andrighetto, merges 4D and Omnimax with sensory effects for immersive natural documentaries. The Michetta is a typical dessert of the area and originates from a legend linked to a sad episode and a ghost that is said to have been found inside the Castle of the Doria.

Dolceacqua’s Michetta feast on August 16 recalls the end of jus primae noctis (right of first night – conjugal rights with any bride), demanded by the tyrant Imperial Doria, a feast celebrated with a unique brioche, symbolising unity and resistance since 1364.

Dolceacqua’s culinary heritage also boasts delicacies like fugasùn, cartelétu, pesto, gnocchi, and Brusso cheese, enriching its gastronomic landscape. Subscribe to Walking Tours and Road Trips for a serene and immersive experience, bringing the beauty of quaint villages and vibrant cities right to your screen.

Dolceacqua’s history traces back to 1151 with the Counts of Ventimiglia initiating the construction of a castle that would see numerous transformations. Becoming a fortified noble residence under the Doria family, who acquired it in 1270 and remained influential until the 17th century.

Despite sieges, an earthquake in 1887, and a near destruction by French and Spanish armies, parts of the original structure of Doria Castle still survive today. The castle now hosts cultural events and art exhibitions, including one on Monet who spotlighted Dolceacqua.

Originally built in the 12th century with a circular tower and an adjoining guard office, the castle was expanded in the 16th century by Stefano Doria. Stefano Doria added a bastion and two square towers to enhance its defence and aesthetics.

At Christmas, large bonfires symbolise unity on Borgo and Terra’s main squares, with local youth competing to keep their fires burning the longest by gathering wood. The engine noise you can hear is from the mechanised sack trucks that are used in the village, the very steep inclines can make deliveries difficult.

On the other side of the bridge, in the mid 15th century the newer part of the town called Il Borgo started to grow and develop. Here there is a beautiful piazza offering shops and restaurants to entertain visitors.

Love our walking tours, please consider Buying us a Coffee, link in description below, your support is so appreciated, so we can take more beautiful walks together with you. The Oratory of St. Sebastian in the Borgo district, is noted for its Maragliano-attributed wooden sculpture and being on the ancient goldsmith’s route.

San Sebastian’s procession, blends pre-Christian rites with Catholic tradition, symbolises fertility with a tree of false fruits on January 20. Ancient rituals, from offering potions to Ceres to decorating heifers with flowers, blend cultures in a vibrant celebration of renewal and rest.

The procession ends with the sharing of adorned laurel branches, this festival weaves community and history, each piece a cherished token of heritage. Dolceaqua is accessible with the nearest airports in Nice, in the south of France, or Genoa, the principal city of Liguria.

Dolceacqua is also close to the towns and villages of Airole, Aricale, Brel-sur-Roya, Camporosso Perinaldo, Rochchetta Nervina, San Biagio della Cima and Ventimiglia. Please subscribe, it is free and if you are watching on your television, subscribe easily using your phone camera to scan the QR code image about to appear on you screen.

Ponte Giardini – this bridge is able to carry modern traffic across it and give access to the ‘Terra’ side of the village. Next to Church of Sant’Antonio Abate 1471, the baroque bell tower rises from the base of the corner tower of the medieval walls.

At Christmas, large bonfires symbolise unity on Borgo and Terra’s main squares, with local youth competing to keep their fires burning the longest by gathering wood.

Thank you for joining us on our walk around Dolceacqua, we look forward to our next walk together. Remember too subscribe to be notified when our next video is available.

Till the next time, please keep safe, see you soon. Can’t wait? Then take look at our other videos and playlists for our next relaxing virtual walk together.

Discover Dolceacqua, one of the most relaxing walks in Italy, as we take you on a beautiful Italian village tour, in the Val Nervia, in the heart of Liguria Italy. A serene high quality 4k video viewing experience you will love.

Awarded as one of ‘I Borghi più Belli d’Italia’ and a proud holder of the Italy Touring Club’s Orange Flag, Dolceacqua is a testament to Italy’s enduring beauty and rich heritage.

Explore the ancient Ponte Vecchio, a stone bridge famously painted by Claude Monet, that arches over the Nervia river in the centre of Dolceacqua Italy. Wander through medieval cobblestone streets called Carugi, that whisper the secrets of centuries past.

Discover the medieval village of Dolceacqua, known as Terra. A place where time seems to stand still, and the beauty of Italian village life, unfolds in every corner. From the historic Doria Castle ruins that watch over the old village to the newer streets of the Borgo, the churches, galleries, restaurants and the vibrant greenery that surrounds it, every step is a step into a postcard-perfect scene.

This beautiful Italian village isn’t just a feast for the eyes, but also famous for its celebrated Rossese di Dolceacqua wine, Taggiasca olives, and the legendary Michetta dessert.

Whether you’re drawn to nature, history, art, travel or the quest for relaxation, this serene walks in Italy video, invites you to experience the dolce vita.

Is Dolceacqua worth a visit? We think you’ll love it! Join us on relaxing walks in Italy, as we explore the secrets of Dolceacqua in 4K, and let the tranquility of the stunning Italian Riviera landscapes soothe your soul.

Filmed in high quality 4K with immersive binaural audio, our videos can transport you somewhere new and help you to feel relaxed. Turn on optional [CC] captions for additional information. We recommend wearing 🎧 headphones to listen to the relaxing sounds of nature or the fascinating hustle or bustle of life.

🏛️ Tourist-information: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nxkq1i3SvRsN65am9
🗺️ Google Maps Link: https://www.visitdolceacqua.it

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Chapter Markers
0:00:00 Dolceacqua Italy tourist guide Video 4K
0:00:56 Dolceacqua walking tour in 4K
0:04:38 River Nervia – Relaxing walks in Italy
0:06:40 Ponte Vecchio painted by Claude Monet in 1884
0:08:07 Church of San Filippo 1714
0:10:11 Fresco by Raimondo “Barbadirame” Raimondo
0:10:57 Monet painting Ponte Vecchio Dolceacqua
0:20:46 Piazzetta dell’Armatore
0:29:50 17th-century residence of the Doria dynasty
0:30:42 Street piano – Open piano Italy Dolceacqua
0:34:15 The Visionarium 4D
0:41:41 Castello dei Doria Dolceacqua
0:53:34 Sleepy cat
1:02:35 Ponte Giardini
1:03:11 Baroque bell tower – Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
1:05:43 Is Dolceacqua Italy worth visiting? video summary

About Us –

We are Michelle and Charlie and after experiencing life changing injuries, permanent and severe chronic pain and depression, we took a ‘leap of faith’ and now travel, creating beautiful videos for curious explorers to help inspire, inform and entertain our followers. Join us on our walks and road trips, let’s explore the world together.

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