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How to get there: exit at Bordighera and continue along the State Route.
Pigna is one of the most important towns of the Nervina Valley and its place-name derives from the lush pine trees that once surrounded the entire area.
It is located in the valley of the Toraggio and Pietravecchia Mountains which are the highest summits of the Ligurian Alps and they are denominated the “small Dolomites.”
The town has a particular architectonic structure.
Archeological findings that date back to about 60,000 years ago were found in the caves of Giacheira in the community of Marellae as well as in nearby areas where human settlements of the prehistoric era were discovered.
Since the 13th century it was a fortified possession of the Counts of Ventimiglia and then it became a feud of the Counts of Provenza and finally it became a possession of Genoa.
During the second half of the 17th century Pigna was a Savoy possession.
The artistic patrimony is with out a doubt very important.
The structure of an old stronghold is still visible within the medieval town and you can admire the old measurements that were used by the local government. Of the medieval castle the only thing visible is the Loggia of the Vecchia Piazza that connected it to the 15th century Parish Church of St. Michele Arcangelo.
This Church is of great importance because it dominates the town and it has a rose window with columns in white marble that converge towards the Angus Dei that dates back to 1450 and it signed by Giovanni Saggini from Bissone.
Inside you can admire a 1500 polyptych by Giovanni Canavesio that is also the master of the frescos that portray the Passion of Jesus and Judgment Day in the Chapel that is about 1 kilometer from the town.
The Chapels of the Passion go to the Sanctuary della Madonna di Passoscio that was first documented in 1350.
Also worth visiting are the thermals of Lake Pigna and it therapeutic properties where already known during Roman times.
Pigna is also one of the leading producers worldwide of mimosas that are used in the production of cosmetics.
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