Valloria: In this Italian village, the doors are true works of art.
Anyone traveling through Liguria expects to see a glittering sea, colorful houses, and endless olive groves. But a little further inland, in a quiet side valley of the Val Prino, lies a magical little town: Valloria, known as "paese delle porte dipinte" – the village of painted doors.
What was once a nearly deserted mountain village has now transformed into a renowned open-air museum. Around 170 artfully painted doors now adorn the winding alleyways, attracting visitors from Italy and beyond.
In the early 1990s, a few former villagers had the idea to revive Valloria. They invited artists to paint the village doors. Since then, a kind of open-air gallery has emerged, now comprising 170 works.
Strolling through Valloria, one encounters a colorful mix of artistic styles: naive and playful motifs, abstract experiments, but also realistic portraits and scenes from Ligurian village life, reflecting a deep connection of the approximately 50 residents with their hometown.
A marked walking tour leads through the alleys, with small signs providing information about the artists and their works. Several murals have also been added recently, as the village had run out of available spaces.
But Valloria offers more than painted doors. Perched on a hill above the village is the small church of San Giovanni Battista, its Romanesque bell tower watching over the valley. From here, there is a magnificent view of the Ligurian mountains and the sea in the distance.
And there's something else that makes this small village special: Since 1991, the festival "A Valloria fai Baldoria" (translated: "In Valloria they have a feast") has been celebrated, taking place on the first weekend of July and August. Tables are set up in the middle of the olive grove, and there's music, homemade Ligurian specialties, regional wines, and homemade limoncino.
Valloria is also ideally located for excursions: the coast with its charming seaside resorts of San Lorenzo al Mare, Laigueglia, and Alassio is just a 20-minute drive away. Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous routes around Valloria, such as the Sentiero degli Ulivi, which leads through centuries-old olive groves and offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Near the neighboring village of Lecchiore lies a hidden natural gem: the Laghetti di Lecchiore. These emerald-green natural pools, fed by the clear waters of a mountain stream, are nestled in the heart of the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Liguri. A small waterfall completes the idyllic scene. From the village square, a roughly two-kilometer-long hiking trail leads through shady woods directly to the refreshing swimming spots – a true insider tip on hot summer days.
A visit to Dolcedo, one of the neighboring towns, is also highly recommended. Its narrow streets, pastel-colored facades, and cobbled bridges create the feeling that time has slowed down here. A highlight is the Baroque church of San Tommaso in the town center. Dolcedo is also famous for its high-quality olive oil.
Getting to Valloria is incredibly easy: The nearest town with motorway access is Imperia, just over ten kilometers away. From there, winding roads lead through the Prino Valley directly to the village. Those arriving by train can get off in Imperia and continue by taxi or rental car. The nearest airports are Nice (90 minutes away) and Genoa (two hours away).
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Travel reporter
reisereporter
