Main district of the basin of the river Maro, an area rich in water and sulphurous springs, Borgomaro is a town in the province of Imperia, located near Mount Carpasina and River Empire, which gives power to the characteristic mills (gumbi) arranged along its banks , reflecting the close link of the old town with the production of oil. Surrounded by terraces, the centre has a unique urban structure and proposes a precise grid with houses that orderly degrade towards the river to the bridge that brings to the main square and Church of St. Anthony, decorated by arches and balconies with stone columns . Many buildings still retain the original structure and are still operating public wash houses which draw water directly from the river Empire. The village is devoted to agriculture, mainly the cultivation of olives and beans. Seven villages are part of its territory: San Lazzaro Reale, Candeasco, Maro Castello, Ville San Sebastian, Ville San Pietro Conio and San Bernardo di Conio.
The town was built for safety reasons on the right side of the river Empire, at the foot of the castle, whilst later it extended into the lower area. In 1202 it became part of the fief of the family of the Counts of Ventimiglia: the lords of Maro. In 1455 the town was submitted to the domain of the Lascaris di Tenda, who in the second half of the XVI century, left way to the Savoy. It was inserted in the Kingdom of Sardinia at first and then in the Kingdom of Italy.
Not to miss:
The Parish Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, rebuilt in the XVIII century, which houses an altarpiece by Guido da Ranzo, a polychrome marble pulpit in Baroque style, a XVI century triptych by Giulio De Rossi.
The Church of Ville San Pietro by Marvaldi and XVII century church of Ville San Sebastiano that unify all the villages that make up the town.
The Church of Saints Nazario and Celso, immersed in a rural setting, it features a majestic structure made up of one major nave and two aisles supported by columns with capitals in black stone and precious portals.
The Castle of Issuance, located in the district with the same name, from where it is possible to enjoy a memorable view across the valley of the river Maro.