Castel Vittorio is built on a steep hill overlooking the Nervia Valley and the Pigna thermal spa, just a few kilometres away from the sea and in sight of the Maritime Alps. Documents dating from the thirteenth century show that its ancient name was "Castrum Dodi". It belonged to the Ventimiglia feudal estate and was later for a long time under the dominion of the Genoese. It was given its present name in 1862, in honour of the Savoys, who were its owners during the eighteenth century.
You can still see the ruins of the old citadel, which was the object of contention between Savoy and the Republic of Genoa, as well as an architrave bearing the Genoese coat-of-arms. The high bell tower of the parish church of Santo Stefano, which was built on the site of an old fortification, is the highest point and the true centre of the town: the church is built in Baroque style and holds a crucifix by Maragliano.
If you leave the town in the direction of the ancient boundary between Pigna and Castel Vittorio, you will see the ruins of the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Nogareto near the bridge on Pigo Lake. Dating from the twelfth but reconstructed in the sixteenth century, it lies secluded among olive and chestnut groves. If you are a mountain-bike enthusiast, you can take the road out of Pigna to reach the municipality of Baiardo, passing by Santa Maria del Nogareto. Another interesting itinerary takes you to the greenery of the Rio Godale Valley. Elastic ball is very popular here.
Between excursions and cultural visits, you could make a pleasant stop to taste the local "tourton", a savoury pie made with aromatic herbs. On the occasion of the local festival held on 20 August it is decorated with courgettes and cooked in a wood-fire oven. The "peti de muneghe" are delicious sweet pancakes.
