Imperia, Liguria

Triora

In 1587, thirteen women who knew which plants cured fevers were tried as witches in this village. The transcripts still exist, and so does the village.

Residents
419
Region
Liguria
Best time
Strigora, the historical re-enactment, falls on the Sunday after 15 August. Otherwise late spring and early autumn.

Why it is worth the drive

Between 1587 and 1589 an inquisitor sent from Genoa tried thirteen women of this village for witchcraft. They were healers and herbalists, and the famine was blamed on them. The transcripts of their interrogations are still held in the State Archive in Genoa.

One bakery is left. It makes low, round loaves of about 850 grams, scored with a square on the crust, risen overnight, good for a week. Triora was the granary of the Genoese Republic and there was only ever one communal oven.

Getting there

Nice (NCE) is the nearest international airport, about two hours by car; Genoa about two and a half. The last thirty-five kilometres are a narrow provincial road up the Argentina valley.

The honest part

Four hundred and nineteen people live here, so there are almost no beds. The witchcraft museum is small and part of it is being moved. Winter closes most things. You need a car.

Sources: tuttitalia.it/liguria/42-triora/ ; cultura.gov.it/luogo/museo-etnografico-e-della-stregoneria

Last checked 2026-09-12. Opening hours and festival dates change: confirm with the town before you travel.

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