Arma was the name used by the ancient Ligurian to appoint their caves. A district of the town of Taggia in the province of Imperia, it is a seaside town that offers a pleasant and sunny promenade with the grotto of the Annunciation at one end and a small dock at the other end. It features a beautiful beach sandy, especially rare in Liguria, where the coast is generally rugged and full of rocks. Located in a wide area, characterized by a thousand contrasts and a non predictable landscape. Behind the district, in the hinterland, in the plain of the river Argentina and at the slope of the hills, the main centre of Taggia proposes a particular variety of olives called taggiasca, specialty of the province of Imperia, and stretches of juniper, broom and lavender and then, higher up, woods of chestnut, pine and oak trees.
The area was inhabited since prehistoric times and in 192 B.C. it was conquered by the Romans. Arma throughout the XVIII and XIX century was famous for shipbuilding: its fleet was outstanding for the times and many workers were engaged in activities related to the production of boats. Of great importance in maritime trade: importers of iron, coal, cement and grains, and exporters of local products such as olive oil, wine, citrus fruits and also timber. The inhabitants adapted the port to allow larger vessels to dock. Unfortunately the center lost its importance in the early XX century due to the construction of the railway.
Not to miss:
The Church of St. Joseph, built in 1817 and is the church of the fishermen. Inside it preserves the statue of Saint Erasmus, patron saint of fishermen, which is carried in procession into the sea every year during the feast entitled to the Saint.
The cave of Arma or of the Annunciation, located on the sea, is where many prehistoric remains were found: It has been converted into a church in the XV century.
Villa Boselli which is located not far from the rail station.