Triora

Whilst venturing up the valley we stopped in the witch museum of Triora. 

The stream down the Ligurian mountains

The Triora village rides hard on the witch heritage (that apparently is based on 3 girls from neigbouring Glori acc. to locals), and they celebrate all the pagan highlights like samhain etc. The shops sport all kind of sorcery trinkets and would well fit into a Harry Potter backdrop.

Triora, a small village in Liguria, Italy, is primarily known for the witch trials that took place there between 1587 and 1589. These trials, which involved the accusations and trials of numerous local women, have earned Triora the nickname "the Village of Witches". The trials, often referred to as the "Salem of Italy," were sparked by famine and crop failures, leading to accusations of witchcraft against local women. Over 20 women were accused, and the Inquisition, led by Genoese authorities, interrogated and tortured the accused. While some were executed, many were imprisoned or exiled. The trials left a lasting impact on Triora, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Wikipedia does not offer much for the history of Triora except mentioning the witches and a 2nd WW hero that hid Jews in his house as well as the village being included in the list of "The most beautiful villages of Italy" (I Borghi più belli d'Italia). 

The museum of Triora says from the beginning "If you meet someone in Triora, they may not be someone from your time". These were the times when agriculture and sheep farming were already widespread… a constant in Triora and the surrounding area from 5,000 years ago. 

Historically Triora was the centre of commerce in early times as explained by trioradascoprire : The village of Triora dominated the Taggia valley. It comprised of five fortresses, run by Ventimiglia countship strongholds against the Genovesian influence. The fortress-town had to be conquered at all costs due to its importance from a strategic point of view as well as financial. The use of force however could not triumph and ultimately money contributed to its downfall: Triora, along with other castles of the area was bought by Guglielmo Boccanegra, a representative of Genoa who bought their allegiance in the end.