Travel Guide to Imperia, Liguria
Imperia is a coastal city and comune in Liguria. It is not as well known as the better-known Riviera of the Cote d'Azur but it is an interesting and relaxing place to visit.
The best time to go to Imperia is in the Spring as this is the shoulder season and the place tends to be fairly quiet. This makes it ideal for those looking to explore the museums, sample the cuisine, and dance the night away. It is also the most affordable time of year to travel here.
There are two districts that make up the city of Imperia, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. The former is the more quaint and traditional of the two with narrow lanes and old houses while the latter is more modern with an working port and a commercial centre. Among the main sights to see in the city include the Convent of Santa Chiara which was first built in 1365 and reconstructed a few times afterwards including in 1741. Another impressive religious site is the church of San Giovanni Battista which was built between 1739 and 1762.
Other important sites to see in the city of Imperia include the Palazzo dei Principi, which is a palace that has been converted into a museum. There is also the Castello di Moltedo which is a castle that was once used as a residence by the ruling family of the city. Finally, the Giardini Botanici Hanbury is an interesting botanical garden that was founded by Sir Thomas Hanbury.