Imperia in a Day: Villa Grock, Tower, and Olive Oil

We start our itinerary from one of the most eccentric homes in Liguria: Villa Grock, the house-museum of the legendary clown Grock. Don't expect an ordinary villa: here everything is intentionally out of scale, from low ceilings to doors cut to size for a dwarf, not to mention frescoes that mix sacred and profane. The building, set in a lush park with palm trees and statues, seems to come from a fairy tale. Grock, Swiss by birth but adopted by Imperia, designed it personally between 1920 and 1940, and every corner tells a piece of his artistic soul. During the visit, you'll discover musical instruments, stage costumes, and vintage photographs that recreate the variety show atmosphere. The garden is a small maze of paths and flowers, perfect for a break before moving on. I recommend spending at least an hour to savor the details. Full ticket €10, reduced for families. Note: the internal stairs are steep, but it's worth it.

After visiting Villa Grock, I headed towards Torre Bonazza, a hidden gem of Imperia that few know about. It is located on Via dei Giardini, a quiet street that seems to take you out of time. The tower, dating back to the 16th century, was part of the coastal defense system of the Republic of Genoa. Climbing its steps (not many, fortunately!) you reach the top, and there the view is spectacular: the sea stretching to the horizon, the rooftops of Porto Maurizio, and the hills of the hinterland. It's the perfect spot for a contemplative break, away from the chaos. I recommend bringing binoculars. And don't forget your camera: the contrast between the red rooftops and the blue sea is incredible. A tip: try coming around sunset, when the light becomes warm and everything seems more magical.

After leaving the tower, I headed straight to the Olive Museum at Via Garessio, 13. And here, I must admit, I got lost. Not in a bad way, but literally among scents, millstones, and millennia-old stories. It's a museum that engages all the senses: the smell of freshly pressed oil, the sound of the stone mill, the sight of ancient olive presses. The part that struck me the most? The collection of Roman and Phoenician oil lamps – who would have thought that oil lit up the world before electric light? And then there's the room dedicated to modern production, with videos explaining the differences between various cultivars like Taggiasca and Leccino. A true paradise for foodies, but also for those who want to understand why Liguria is the queen of extra virgin olive oil. Before leaving, I bought a bottle from the gift shop: yes, I know, it's a bit touristy, but the oil is really good.