Andora Inaugurates Olive Grove in Borgo Castello Revival
In the picturesque coastal town of Andora, nestled along the Ligurian Riviera in Italy's Savona province, a significant milestone was reached on February 7, 2026. The community gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly restored Olive Grove of Borgo Castello, a project that symbolizes resilience, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. Hidden for decades under thickets of brambles and invasive vegetation, this olive grove now stands as a beacon of revival, integrated into a broader urban regeneration initiative titled “Remembering the Past to Build the Future.”
The Ceremony and Key Participants
The inauguration unfolded on a sunny morning at the recently reopened Paraxo venue, drawing dignitaries, locals, and olive enthusiasts alike. Leading the event was Andora's Mayor Mauro Demichelis, who also serves as the regional coordinator for the Associazione Città dell’Olio. Flanking him were Regional Agriculture Assessor Alessandro Piana, National President of the Association Michele Sonnessa, Chamber of Commerce President Enrico Lupi, ANCI Liguria Director Pierluigi Vinai, and other notable figures including Fabio Natta, Flavio Marchiano, Corrado Siffredi, and Architect Nicola Maiorano.
The ceremony highlighted the grove's role in promoting Ligurian olive culture. It coincided with the Regional Coordination Assembly of the Associazione Città dell’Olio, where new member municipalities—Testico, Stellanello, and Vendone—were welcomed. Sonnessa unveiled a official “Città dell’Olio” road sign at the borgo's entrance, underscoring Andora's commitment to olive heritage.
A Day Dedicated to Olive Advocacy
Beyond the ribbon-cutting on the panoramic terrace overlooking the terraced olive hills, the day featured discussions on olive promotion. Attendees, both in-person and remote from other Ligurian towns, explored strategies to elevate the region's olive sector. This assembly not only celebrated the grove but also reinforced networks among olive-focused communities, emphasizing education, sustainability, and economic growth.
Project Background and Funding
The Olive Grove of Borgo Castello is a cornerstone of a multifaceted regeneration project for the historic borgo, once a thriving medieval settlement overlooking the Andora coastline. Funded through the European Union's PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) via the Ministry of Culture's Borghi Line A program, the initiative allocates resources for restoring cultural, economic, and social fabrics in small Italian towns.
A collaborative effort, it involves Regione Liguria, ANCI Liguria, the Superintendence of Archaeology, the University of Genoa, the Chamber of Commerce Riviere di Liguria, Fondazione Borgo Castello, and Fondazione Cavallini Sgarbi. This synergy aims to transform Borgo Castello into an experiential agricultural hub, blending historical preservation with modern innovation.
Historically, the site was obscured by neglect, but recent excavations and clearances have revealed its archaeological significance, including ancient olive terraces that echo Liguria's millennia-old olive cultivation traditions. The project extends beyond the grove, with tenders already issued for restoring additional historic structures in the borgo, ensuring a comprehensive revival.
The Olive Grove: More Than Meets the Eye
Spanning a didactic path, the grove features mature olive trees rescued from overgrowth, supplemented by plans to plant 52 more. These will primarily be Taggiasca cultivars, the iconic small-fruited olives of western Liguria known for their mild, fruity oils. Mayor Demichelis emphasized the olive's symbolism: “A resilient plant with deep roots in the past, yet oriented toward the future.”
Educational outreach is central, with local schools—especially agrarian institutes—slated to participate in planting and maintenance activities. This hands-on involvement fosters environmental awareness and connects younger generations to their agricultural roots. At full capacity, the grove will yield extra-virgin olive oil under the “Borgo Castello” brand, targeting DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) Riviera Ligure certification. This prestigious label would enhance market value, promoting premium Ligurian products globally.
Broader Impacts on Andora and Liguria
Andora, a gem on the Italian Riviera with its sandy beaches and mild Mediterranean climate, has long balanced tourism with agriculture. The Borgo Castello project amplifies this duality, creating opportunities for agritourism. Visitors can envision guided tours through the olive terraces, olive harvest experiences, and tastings of the estate's oil, all while exploring the borgo's archaeological park.
Economically, it promises job creation in farming, hospitality, and education. Socially, it reclaims a communal space, fostering pride and identity. As Demichelis noted, “This isn't just an agricultural or landscape intervention; it's a pathway to Ligurian olive traditions, opening doors to schools and sustainable tourism.”
In the context of climate challenges, the initiative underscores olive trees' resilience—drought-tolerant and vital for soil preservation on Liguria's steep hills. It aligns with EU green goals, promoting biodiversity through native plantings and organic practices.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Works
Looking ahead, the experiential farm will integrate the grove with other borgo elements, like restored buildings for workshops and accommodations. Additional PNRR funds will support these phases, with completion targeted over the next few years. Challenges remain, including managing invasive species and adapting to changing weather patterns, but partnerships with the University of Genoa provide expertise in sustainable viticulture.
For olive aficionados, this development positions Andora as a must-visit in the Città dell’Olio network, joining over 150 Italian municipalities dedicated to olive excellence. As Liguria's olive sector—producing around 10,000 tons annually—faces global competition, projects like this innovate while honoring tradition.
In summary, the Andora olive grove inauguration marks a pivotal step in revitalizing Borgo Castello. It weaves together history, education, and economy, ensuring that the olive—Liguria's liquid gold—continues to nourish both land and legacy. As the trees mature, so too will the opportunities they bear, inviting the world to savor Andora's timeless flavors.
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