Seborga

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club

With a panoramic position facing the Ligurian Sea, the Maritime Alps and the French coast, Seborga had considerable historical importance between 954 and 1729, becoming a micronation. Even today, this town declares itself an independent principality (not recognised by the Italian State), and has its own king, its own laws and even its own coins, the “luigini”).

The narrow streets of the historic centre lead to Piazza San Martino, with its 17th-century parish church and the Monks' Palace, the old seat of the Mint, bearing the crest of the principality on the facade. Also worth a visit is the Permanent exhibition of musical instruments, with 135 ancient instruments dating back to various eras, and the 13th-century Oratory of St Bernard. Seborga is known for its flowers (in particular the mimosa and the broom flower, called the “seborghina”) as well as the locally-made extra-virgin olive oil, “Riviera ligure”.