As the name of the house suggests, in the small town of Bellissimi everything revolves around herbs and olives. The town nestles quaintly between olive covered slopes, and ll Mirto e ll Olivo sits right in the centre of it all. It is also very easy to locate due to its striking small tower. The external walls are of natural stone, reflecting the traditional Ligurian architectural style.
As soon you step inside ll Mirto e ll Olivo you\\\'ll be impressed by the living room with its spacious dining table and cosy fireplace, and with the agreeable décor, typical for the region, being simple and welcoming. There are two adjacent bedrooms, and on the other side of the house, a well equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower. A small staircase leads to the terrace, which is the ideal place to relax, gives a wonderful view of the mountains and the Val Prino valley, inviting you to enjoy the Italian sunshine, or get out there and explore. The area is suited for extensive hikes, for instance to the Laghetti Acquasanta (small springs said to have a healing effect) and mountain biking. If you are interested in cookery classes or degustatione (sampling Ligurian specialities) the owner will be happy to include you.

Dolcedo lies in the middle of the Prino Valley and is the municipality with third highest amount of land given over to olive cultivation in the province of Imperia (30% of its territory). As an ancient feudal estate of the Clavesana family, the town began its expansion in the thirteenth century, when the Bishop of Albenga entrusted the church of San Tommaso to the friars of Lerins, who encouraged olive cultivation. This was the period in which the water-mills were built: the population then began to move out of the higher districts towards the riverside areas, including today's main district, which was at that time known as "Piazza" because it was a market town.





In 1228, the feudal estate passed into the hands of the Republic of Genoa. The municipality became independent in 1613.

In the alleyways of the old town centre, you can see the old artisan shops, while the ancient weights and measures marks are still visible in what is known as the "suttu munte" loggia. The buildings along the Prino and the single-span bridge are remaining signs of the town's former prosperity. The excellent acoustics of the main square make it an ideal place for the concerts and shows that take place on the black-and-white pavement outside the parish church of San Tommaso. Although of mediaeval origin, the church has a colourful eighteenth-century façade: a Baroque canopy frames the fifteenth-century portal. Deep blue Baroque decorations can also be admired inside the church; it also contains some precious works from the Genoese school, including some paintings of the Virgin Mary over the apse, which are attributed to the Carrega brothers. The bell tower is one of the highest in the region. Other monuments to be seen are the Saracen tower, the oratory of San Lorenzo and the church of San Domenico.



In the district of Ripalta there is a characteristic bridge that was once the only means of access to the town. During his childhood, the poet Giovanni Boine stayed in Lecchiore, a district ensconced among the olive groves. Excursions beginning in Dolcedo take you to some places of great natural interest, including Monte Faldo (1149 m.) as well as historic interest, such as Monte Folia, where archaeological finds have been made. The sanctuary of Lampedusa has for centuries been a destination for pilgrims. Dolcedo has a special court where elastic ball is played. For those who love horse-riding there are many riding schools in the area.

Bellissimi is a district of Dolcedo, surrounded by olive groves. Gently sloping hills, overgrown with olive trees, and traditionally terraced, dotted with typical mountain towns atop the picturesque Prino Valley lend a feeling of peace, quiet and seclusion to the area.



Bellissimi also carries the nickname "U paise di balui" - Il paese delle mongolfiere di carta - the village of the paper hot balloons. You will find further information on this at www.amicidibellissimi.it. A lovely village festival takes place annually at the beginning of September in that respect, where the whole village celebrates with its guests and lets the hot air balloons rise.






The traditional sport, Boccia, is of course taught to everyone here too.



The small mountain lakes, "AquaSanta", which beckon one to have a swim and a joint picnic during the summer, are found only a few kilometers away from Bellissimi.

Upon request, the owner will organize a hike in the nearby forest, with explanation of the indigenous herbs, flora and fauna.