Bajardo: The Highest Village in the Province of Imperia, Between History, Legends and Ligurian Alpine Views

Articolo del August 9, 2026. Pubblicato in HISTORY AND CURIOSITIES

At an altitude of 900 metres, Bajardo is the highest municipality in the province of Imperia. Surrounded by the forests of the Ligurian Alps and overlooking landscapes stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Alpine peaks, this small village is one of the most surprising destinations in the inland area of the Riviera dei Fiori. Here the landscape changes completely compared with the coast: olive groves give way to chestnut woods, mountain pastures and beech forests, while the air becomes noticeably cooler even during summer. For those wishing to discover a different side of Liguria, shaped by nature, silence and centuries-old traditions, Bajardo is certainly worth a visit.

A Village with Ancient Origins

The origins of Bajardo probably date back to Roman times, although some scholars believe the area was inhabited much earlier by the ancient Ligurian populations. During the Middle Ages, the village gained strategic importance thanks to its dominant position over the valleys connecting the coast with Piedmont and France. Walking through its narrow streets today, it is still possible to sense centuries of history. Stone houses, ancient arches and small squares tell the story of a community deeply connected to the mountains and rural life.

The 1887 Earthquake and the Roofless Church

One of the most dramatic episodes in Bajardo's history is connected with the devastating earthquake of 23 February 1887, the same earthquake that struck much of Western Liguria. During the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass, the vault of the Church of San Nicolò suddenly collapsed onto the congregation, causing dozens of deaths. Today, the remains of the church have been preserved as a memorial site and have become one of the symbols of the village. Walking among the ancient walls without their roof is still a deeply moving experience and a reminder of how profoundly the earthquake shaped the history of Western Liguria.

The Legends of Monte Bignone

Bajardo is also a place rich in legends. According to ancient local traditions, the woods and mountains surrounding the village were inhabited by fairies, spirits and mysterious creatures. Nearby Monte Bignone, overlooking the Gulf of Sanremo, has long been associated with stories passed down orally by generations of valley residents. Even today, many hikers choose these trails not only for the beauty of the landscape, but also for the special atmosphere found among ancient forests and historic mule tracks.

A Paradise for Hiking Enthusiasts

Thanks to its location, Bajardo is one of the best starting points for exploring the Ligurian Alps. A dense network of trails leads from the village towards Monte Bignone, Monte Ceppo and numerous wooded areas particularly rich in wildlife and plant species. The hiking routes pass through chestnut woods, beech forests and open mountain pastures where it is not unusual to encounter grazing horses, birds of prey and numerous species of butterflies. On the clearest days, the views from the higher panoramic points stretch as far as Corsica.

A Natural Observatory Over Western Liguria

One of the things that most impresses visitors to Bajardo is the panorama. Thanks to its altitude and dominant position, the village offers spectacular views stretching from the inland mountains and the Argentina Valley to the Riviera dei Fiori and the Mediterranean Sea. In autumn, the forests are transformed by shades of red and gold, while in winter it is not unusual to see the village covered in snow—a surprising sight for anyone who knows Liguria mainly for its coastal landscapes.

The Flavours of Ligurian Mountain Cuisine

Bajardo's cuisine reflects the deep connection between the village and its surrounding landscape. The local table is dominated by products from the inland mountains: porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, wild herbs, mountain cheeses and meats raised in the surrounding valleys. During autumn, the village becomes a popular destination for mushroom and chestnut enthusiasts, while throughout the year visitors can taste traditional Ligurian mountain dishes, often quite different from those found along the coast.

A Curiosity: The Climate Changes Completely Here

Many visitors are surprised to discover that, starting from the beaches of Sanremo, it takes only around forty minutes by car to reach a completely different environment. In Bajardo, temperatures can be 5–10°C lower than on the coast, especially in the evening, making the village an ideal destination for escaping the summer heat and spending a day surrounded by nature. It is one of the clearest examples of the extraordinary variety of landscapes found in Western Liguria.

A Village to Experience Slowly

Bajardo is not a destination to visit in a hurry. The pleasure lies in wandering slowly through the historic centre, stopping to admire the views, following a forest trail or having lunch in one of the traditional restaurants serving local mountain cuisine. Many visitors combine Bajardo with a visit to villages in the Argentina Valley, such as Badalucco, Triora and Molini di Triora, creating an ideal itinerary for discovering one of the most authentic sides of Liguria.

A Small Village with Great Stories to Tell

Bajardo demonstrates that the province of Imperia is about much more than beaches and the sea. With spectacular landscapes, hiking trails, legends, historical heritage and a strong connection with the mountains, the highest municipality in the province offers an experience completely different from the Riviera. It is a perfect destination for lovers of slow tourism, hiking, photography and atmospheric villages, where every stone tells a story and every panoramic view invites you to stop for a few moments longer. For those who want to truly discover Western Liguria, Bajardo is a destination not to be missed.