is a city and ''
Comune '' in the
Region of
Liguria ,
Italy . It is also the capital of the
Province Of Imperia . Historically it was also capital of the part of the
Liguria region once known as ''Intemelia''.
Imperia is well known for its
Floriculture and
Olive industries, and is a popular tourist destination for maritime visitors in summer.
Imperia consists of the two historical districts and '''Oneglia''', divided by the River '''Impero''', which gives the city its name.
Porto Maurizio is situated on a peninsula to the west of the river, stretching along the coastline. It is the more colourful and wealthy district of the city, threaded by narrow lanes known as ''carrugi'', and its economy centres around the tourist industry. It was a possession of
Genoa from the 13th century.
Oneglia (formerly known as ''Ineja'') lies on an alluvial plane to the east of the Impero, and with its working port is the more modern and industrial of the two districts. At its centre lies Dante Square, from which radiate some of the principal roads of the city.
Through wars, treaties and purchases, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia came into the possession variously of
Genoa ,
France ,
Spain ,
Savoy and
Piedmont , before becoming part of the new
Kingdom Of Italy in 1861.
The city of Imperia was created on 21st October 1923 by the union of Porto Maurizio and Oneglia and the surrounding village communes of Piani, Caramagna Ligure, Castelvecchio di Santa Maria Maggiore, Borgo Sant'Agata, Costa d'Oneglia, Poggi, Torrazza, Moltedo and Montegrazie.
;Porto Maurizio:
- The Classical Cathedral of San Maurizio, built between 1781 and 1832 by Gaetano Cantoni, is the largest church in Liguria.
- Porto Maurizio Old Town.
- Convent of Santa Chiara. First established in 1365, the existing structure dates from 1741.
;Oneglia:
- Museo dell' Olivo (''The Olive Tree Museum'').
- Church of S. Giovanni Battista, built 1739-1762.
