The medieval village headquarters of the Counts of Ventimiglia
The first human traces around Apricale date back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the sepulchral mounds of Pian del Re. The village was officially founded in the 10th century by the Counts of Ventimiglia who also built the Castello della Lucertola, a castle today home to a museum of art and temporary exhibitions.
Apricale preserves the original medieval structure, with narrow alleys that facilitated the defense of the town in the event of raids and enemy attacks.
The statutes of Apricale are the oldest in Liguria: they date back to 1267 and meticulously regulate the lives of the inhabitants.
Testo a cura di Nicola Ferrarese, immagini di Claudio Cecchi e Federico Nasi