The Olive Tree Museum - ImperiaThis is a unique museum in the whole world dedicated to the history of the olive tree, which is so synonymous with this area. It was founded to honour and praise the olive, which has blessed the birth of successive civilisations of the Mediterranean coast. Of particular interest is the room showing the trading routes of the olive oil which in ancient times opened up the whole of the Mediterranean. The exhibits come from many different places and are part of the Carli family who own the brand name of the well respected olive oil. The museum will stimulate the visitor and inspire a feeling for the history of this amazing tree whose praises are sung by the old Testament, the new Testament and the Koran, by Homer, Virgil, Dante, D'Annunzio, Pascoli and many other writers.
The Olive tree museum is open to visitors every day except Tuesday. Entrance is free. Written and audio guides are available in Italian, German and English.
The Naval Museum - ImperiaOne of the most important maritime museums in Italy. Fourteen sections dedicated to every aspect of maritime life from map making to shipyards, etc.
The museum boasts the largest historical technical maritime library in Italy (currently being set up) with more than 115000 volumes at the disposal of students, scholars and enthusiasts. The museum will be relocated soon to much larger premises by Imperia's harbour.
Open Wednesday and Saturday.
Old and Historic Olive Mill If you would like to visit an ancient local olive mill, and sample real "Extra Virgin Olive Oil", Liguria has a very long history in the cultivation of olives and the area has a very special variety: the "Taggiasca" cultivar, a small and particularly flavoursome olive from which high quality oil is produced in small quantities, renowned throughout the world. The Saglietto Agriturismo in Poggi (Imperia) offers the visitor the following programme:
Prices: 500ml 7.50 Euro, 750ml 10 Euro, 3l 30 Euro. Products can be gift wrapped on request. |
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Festivals
The Flower Festival of Corpus Domini

The Imperia Vintage Sail FestivalHeld in September every two years (2006, 2008 etc.), the Imperia Vintage Sail Festival is a result of the town's twinning with Rhode Island in the United States. This internationally important regatta attracts sail boats from around the world.
The Sanremo Flower and Music Festival
Held annually in late January and televised to the whole nation, the Sanremo Flower Festival is a testimony to the region's horticultural expertise and the mild winter climate that allows such a wide range of flowers to come into bloom so early in the year. Watch the procession of marching bands followed by floats built by a number of Ligurian towns.