Pietrabruna: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The name of Pietrabruna goes back to the brown stone from which many houses in the Ligurian village are built. The cross-shaped church of St. Matthew is visible from afar. Pietrabruna is picturesquely situated at the foot of the wooded Monte Faudo in the northern Italian province of Imperia.
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Pietrabruna - Must-see attractions
Church of San Matteo Laigueglia
Above the old town of the tranquil coastal village of Laigueglia, the church of San Matteo sits on a hill against the picturesque backdrop of lush green hills and the deep blue Ligurian Sea. Among colorful palazzi, its tower domes adorned with small colorful tiles shine in the sun. The richly decorated interior of the parish church is worth seeing, where you can discover paintings by such well-known Genoese painters as Valerio Castello and Gregorio De Ferrari. Also interesting are a marble holy water font, a tabernacle, and a baroque choir stall in the adjoining oratory.
Mount Faudo
Monte Faudo is located in the municipality of Dolcedo on the Riviera Ponente in Liguria, Italy. The wide view from its summit encompasses the entire Ligurian coast from Cervo to Ventimiglia as well as a large part of the Côte d'Azur. Characteristic features are the huge metal cross and the small chapel on its summit. There are many possible paths up, either from Dolcedo or from the small village of Pietrabruna, which lies on its slopes.
Mount Madness
Monte Follia is located in the charming little village of Pietrabruna on the Ligurian Riviera Ponente. From here, you and your family can explore various routes through a magnificent landscape of rosemary, broom, and lavender, as well as centuries-old forests and pastures. A challenging, nearly five-hour tour takes experienced hikers to the summit of Monte Follia, where a Ligurian village once stood. There, a spectacular view awaits you, making the shared snack taste even better.
Mount San Salvatore
Numerous easy hiking trails lead to the 912-meter-high Monte San Salvatore south of the municipality of Paradiso. For those who prefer a more comfortable option, a funicular runs from Paradiso to the mountain station. From there, you can reach the summit in about 15 minutes. From the viewing platform of a chapel, a magnificent 360° panorama awaits you over Lake Lugano, the mountains of the Swiss and Savoy Alps, and the Po Valley. The San Salvatore Museum, with its sacred and geological exhibits, is also located up here.
Lakes of Pietrabruna
In the hinterland of the Ligurian coast at the foot of Monte Faudo, the Laghetti di Pietrabruna gently splash. These natural bathing pools are filled with fresh water and are considered an insider tip. The Laghetti are located not far from the communities of Pietrabruna and Torre Paponi. Only 4 km separate Torre Paponi from the bathing pools. The distance can be covered on a leisurely hike. In Torre Paponi itself, you can admire the old water mills used by the local olive farmers.
Saint Brigid
In the Ligurian province of Imperia, the late medieval chapel Santa Brigida invites you to pause. It houses wooden benches and an exposed painting of Christ. The simple sacred building is located directly on an old mule track, which leads you to the 1,149-meter-high Monte Faudo. From the little church, there is also a hiking route through the forest of Dolcedo. The bridge path Passeggiata dei Ponti is also appealing, where you can hike towards the mountain village of Pietrabruna through oak forests and olive groves to natural attractions like the bathing pool Ponte Merea.
Pietrabruna - Secret spots
Ars Olea – Tasting of olive oil and honey
Surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, the idyllic mountain village of Pietrabruna is located above the Riviera di Ponente. Ars Olea was created here with great passion. On the farm of the Italian olive oil producer, it is a special experience to taste high-quality olive oil. Likewise, flavorful varieties of honey in various color shades from their own bee farms are available for selection.
The Church of San Salvatore
On the way to Monte Follia north of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente, the Church of San Salvatore is located in a picturesque rural setting. Just a few kilometers west of the picture-perfect Italian village of Pietrabruna, inside the 15th-century Catholic church, you can view impressive frescoes amidst peeling plaster.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lampedusa
On a hill west of the Italian town of Pietrabruna stands the baroque sanctuary of Our Lady of Lampedusa, offering a breathtaking view of the Argentina Valley north of the Ligurian Riviera di Ponente. The magnificently designed interior of the church is distinguished by frescoes on the walls, four impressive marble statues, and a splendid altar.
The sculpture park Between the WORLDS
Embedded between green meadows, dense oak forests, Mediterranean maquis, and fragrant olive groves lies the sculpture park Tra i MONDI southwest of the Ligurian municipality of Pietrabruna. Above the Italian Riviera Ponente, the German sculptor and painter Carin Grudda has transformed the garden of her property into a contemporary ensemble of gigantic and imaginative bronze figures.
Pietrabruna - In 3 days
Day 1
Upon arrival in Pietrabruna, you will enjoy the tranquility of the picturesque car-free mountain village at the foot of Monte Follia, which blends harmoniously into the wooded hilly landscape. In the winding alleys, you explore the historic town center. On stairs and shady passages, you reach the classicist cross-shaped Preacher's Church, which replaced a predecessor building dedicated to Saint Matthew. At the cemetery located outside the town center, you discover the Church of Saint Gregory, a Romanesque building from the 12th century. For the afternoon, you can plan a small hike with enough provisions and water. The hiking trail to Monte Faudo, which can also be cycled, starts in the village and leads up the mountain in switchbacks. Along the way, you have a wonderful view of Pietrabruna and the silvery shimmering olive groves for which the region is famous. You can take a break at the idyllic Laghetti di Pietrabruna. Another route starts at the Cappella di Santa Brigida.
Day 2
You visit the centrally located farm in the neighboring village of Torre dei Paponi, about 5 kilometers away, which is centered around a late medieval manor house. In the cool cellar vaults, you stroll through an exquisite small museum dedicated to glassmaking. Afterwards, you should participate in a tasting of the aromatic Ligurian olive oil, DOP Taggiasca olive oil. You can also try other regional specialties like the shortcrust pastry La Stroscia. One of the main ingredients and flavor carriers: olive oil. On the way back, you take a detour to the Parco di Sculture Tra I MONDI. In the shade of the trees in the well-maintained park, the Dadaist-inspired sculptures of the German artist Carin Grudda appear in unexpected contexts. They already encourage children to think and smile. In the artist's house, there is an exhibition of purchasable paintings and objects. If you just want to enjoy the art, simply take a bottle of olive oil as a souvenir.
Day 3
In less than 10 kilometers, you will reach the coast and the town of San Lorenzo al Mare via a winding road. Let the maritime flair of the harbor captivate you. If you are traveling with children, discover a beautifully designed playground with many facilities and space to romp in the "G. F. Novaro" Wellness Park. In the neighboring town of Moiano, Villa Biener indulges you with modern art. Colorful mosaics turn the beautifully landscaped park into an enchanted place. Spend the second half of the day at one of the small sandy beaches. Small pebbles form the Spiaggia Libera Aregai in Cipressa. Although well-equipped with showers, a bistro, sun loungers, and umbrellas, you will always find a quiet spot here. Near the marina of San Lorenzo al Mare, the outdoor pool "U Nustromu" invites you to relax on a golden sandy beach. Here you will also find changing rooms and toilets.