The text is part of a series – a holiday campaign of the Interia lifestyle editorial team, in which every week we advise on how to organize an inexpensive holiday in popular places. We will take you to the Baltic Sea, to the mountains, to Croatia, Greece, Turkey and many other places. We will offer attractions for active people and those who like to laze around. And all this without tightening our belts. Stay with us all summer long!
Triora – Italian Salem hidden in the Ligurian mountains
away from crowded seaside resorts. Access is via a winding road through the mountains, which is why many tourists traveling along the Italian coast do not even know about the existence of this town.
The history of Triora dates back to the 9th century. For centuries, it was a quiet settlement whose inhabitants made their living mainly from agriculture and trade. Narrow stone streets, arched passages and compact medieval buildings still remind us of its ancient character.
At the end of the 19th century, the town suffered during a strong storm that hit Liguria. For a long time, some of the buildings remained. It was only in the second half of the 20th century that Triora gradually began to regain life, who opened studios, galleries and small workshops, giving the town a new character.
Witchcraft trials in Trior. A dark page of Italian history
The most famous chapter in the history of Triora remains the events of 1587-1589. The region was then affected and the inhabitants began to look for those responsible for the worsening situation. Suspicions fell on
Initially, about twenty women were accused, but over time the investigation covered a much larger group of people. The accused were interrogated and tortured to force a confession. The case received wide coverage throughout the Republic of Genoa and was eventually moved there.
Although the trials ended without mass executions at the stake, the events of Triora are considered to be. For this reason, the town is today compared to the American Salem, which also went down in history with similar events.
What to see when visiting Trior?
Traces of this history can be found in many places scattered throughout the town. One of the most important is (Museo Etnografico e della Stregoneria), located in the historic Palazzo Stella. The exhibition presents both the course of the trials and the everyday life of the region’s former inhabitants and local beliefs.
It is also worth visiting the town on the outskirts. According to local tradition, Historians indicate that they were primarily herbalists and people with knowledge about the healing properties of plants, which could arouse suspicion in times of growing superstitions.
It is worth supplementing a walk around Trior with a visit to the town. Inside, there are valuable frescoes depicting scenes of the Passion of Christ, showing the transition from late Gothic to the Renaissance.
History has become the town’s biggest attraction
Although the witchcraft trials took place over four centuries ago, they are still the most recognizable element of Triora’s history. The town does not try to distance itself from its past – on the contrary, it uses it as part of the local heritage. Historical events, exhibitions and thematic walks devoted to ancient beliefs and the life of the inhabitants of Liguria are organized.
At the same time, we can combine a walk through medieval streets with visiting local galleries, viewpoints and nearby mountain trails. This place shows that, apart from the most famous Italian attractions, there are also small towns whose greatest treasure is not monuments or beaches, but history passed down from generation to generation.
