we write
A number of publications about Triora
PUBLICATIONS EDITED BY PRO TRIORA
Sandro Oddo, IMAGES OF TRIORA. The most significant photos from ten years of photographic competitions organized by Pro Triora. Each image of this vast territory is accompanied by captions in order to “enjoy them better”. This publication is dedicated to the memory of Angelo Oddo, a typical character from Triora, whom for over thirty years worked as municipal employee in his own birthplace. 1987, sold out.
Sandro Oddo, TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY. The ancient natural remedies, with description of the most commonly used herbs, the methods and the formulas to combat illnesses of the body and soul. You will also find empirical methods somehow connected to the magic and mysterious world of witchcraft. The book is enriched with beautiful drawings by German artist Rainer Sieber and by a medical appendix written by Dr. Lorenzo Vigo. Sold out in its first edition, the second edition was revised and expanded (with drawings added to the text). 1989, 1997 (available at € 18,10).
Francesco Ferraironi, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS IN THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY. Written posthumously by the famous historian from Triora, Father Ferraironi and made available by his niece Sister Amabile. Carefully reviewed by Sandro Oddo, it has also been enriched with splendid black and white photographs derived from the numerous photographic competitions organized by Pro Triora. The book describes all the objects and utensils, the customs and traditions of days gone by, it also includes proverbs and popular sayings of rare wisdom. 1991, sold out.
Antonio Cuggé, ANDAGNA: HISTORY AND LIFE OF A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE IN THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY. The Traditions, the customs and the historical misfortunes of this ancient Triora hamlet are told in a simple but captivating manner by a local historian. Precious documents and evocative colour photographs of landscapes and local monuments complete the book. The prefaces are by Francesco Faraldi, once mayor of Molini di Triora and by the famous Professor Nilo Calvini. 1991, ( €10,00)
Sandro Oddo, IN FRONT OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER. The story of this gigantic monument situated on the summit of Mount Saccarello and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is over 100 years’ old. Recounted alongside with this true tale are many legends and local stories of humanity gathered by the same voice of their protagonists: the mountain dwellers and the shepherds. This publication celebrated the 90th anniversary of the placement of the statue. 1991, sold out.
Gianni Bozzo, GIOVANNI BATTISTA AND LORENZO GASTALDI, TRIORA PAINTERS OF THE XVII CENTURY.
The artistic endeavours of these two local artists, father and son, well known in the area as well as in lower Piedmont and Monaco where Lorenzo was known as “Il Triora”, are told by an art expert by focusing their main works. This is an important “discovery” and the first official attestation of these previously unknown artists from Triora. 1991 (€ 3,00).
Fulvio Cervini, MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE ARGENTINA VALLEY. The most important monuments of the splendid Argentina Valley are described in great detail by a professor in Medieval Art and History with the help of wonderful images. The book was inspired by a report compiled for the convention ” Man and the Argentina Valley” held on the 25th of October 1992. The book is much sought-after by those preparing for degree dissertations. 1994, sold out.
Sandro Oddo, BAGIUE, THE TRIORA WITCHES: REALITY AND IMAGINATION.
Directly from the mouth of the old folk and from the examination of ancient documents we revive the true story of the Bàgiue, the Triora witches. From the last few chapters the “consequences” and the benefits resulting from these authentic events emerge. Sold out in its first editions, it is now presented in a renewed and eye-catching guise. A dozen original documents, chosen from the most significant ones, testify to the gravity of this issue, in many ways still to be discovered and examined in depth. 1994 (€ 8,00).
Sandro Oddo, SUGELI E BUGAELI. THE TYPICAL CUISINE OF THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY. In this unique collection of recipes, local housewives and cooks of the upper valley reveal their culinary secrets, accompanied by the colour slides by Silvano Oddo. Along with sügeli and bügaéli, which give the book its title, you will find recipes for many delicacies and delectable dishes, both more or less well known but all worth tasting. 1997 (€ 10,40).
Luca Maria Capponi, A CANZUN DE FRANZE’ U PEGUROR. Sandro Oddo and the glottologist Werner Forner rediscover an old manuscript, written in rhyming dialect (a language from the Gerbonte area) dating back to the early years of the 19th century, composed by the Triorese lawyer Luca Maria Capponi in his countryside home of Ugello. Franzé is the main protagonist of the various tales which represent a unique picture of ancient traditions. Among these is a hilariously funny one, that of ciaravügli, an old custom to which widowers who remarry are still subjected to. 1997 (€ 7,80)
Giampiero Lajolo, U CAMIN. HISTORICAL PATHS OF THE ARGENTINA VALLEY. Being a passionate researcher of local facts and events he guides us along the most difficult paths in the valley, some of which have almost completely disappeared. The pen drawings by Sieber Rainer and some of the photos depicting legendary characters (Tunin dâ Mütta, Antò, Pré Presin and others) make for light reading and encourage the reader to take up hiking up and down the local mountains. 1997 (sold out).
Diana Fontana, THE UNREASONABLE LITTLE WITCHES. The late Triora based artist originally from Albisola, introduces her handcrafted ceramic witches all accompanied by nursery rhymes that can be easily memorized by heart. Introduced by Dr Lorenzo Lanteri, this is a beautiful little gift for children who love witches and fairies and those who are still children in at least a remote corner of their hearts. 1998. (sold out).
Fulvio Cervini, WOODEN STORIES, JOURNEY INTO THE WOODEN SCULPTURES OF THE ARGENTINA VALLEY. After researching medieval architecture in the Argentina Valley, Cervini devoted himself to the wooden artworks found in the numerous churches. You will discover incredible crucifixes, heart-rending statues and even busts and reliquaries of ancient times. The book is introduced by Dr. Franco Boggero and its cover depicts a work of art that can be seen in the Ethnographic Museum: a bust of the Virgin Mary dating back to the beginning of the XVI century, 1999 (€ 12,00).
Marco Pukli, CLIMBING GUIDE, GUIDE D’ESCALADE. The writer, a passionate climber and an expert in his field recommends three hundred climbing paths for you to explore the various cliffs set along the Argentina and Roia Valleys. We see him tackling the rocky outcrops of Loreto, Corte, Borniga as well as venturing up to La Brigue, Tende and Sospel. This guide is for both the beginner and the expert climber. 1999 (sold out).
Various authors, WITCHES, THEIR GOD AND THEIR METHODS. Third Witchcraft convention.
On the 4th and 5th of October 1997, a group of well known historians met to discuss issues about witchery, demonology and traditional medicine. Printed by the Municipality of Triora, this book is presented with a cover bearing names of witches and demons in various languages. Inside you will find interesting artwork, the book is further embellished by photographs of magical places in the valley taken by Silvano Oddo. The interviews with Dr Gian Maria Panizzi and Amalia Lanteri, the former a herbs expert and the latter a protagonist of miraculous healings, are unmissable. 2000 (€ 10,00)
Christian Core. BLOCKS OF TRIORA, 150 BOULDERS. The author of this easy-to-read guide recommends 150 bouldering itineraries. This fascinating sport requires not only supreme fitness but also the mastery of one’s nerves. The natural setting is the wonderful Loreto gorge which with its smooth rocks it is divided into six areas each with its own suggestive name. This short guide, only 28 pages long, also includes precious advice on local monuments and culinary specialities. 2000 (sold out).
Sandro Oddo, THE OLDEN DAYS. TRIORA AND ITS SURROUNDS IN POSTCARDS OF A BYGONE ERA. The Upper Argentina Valley is revisited through postcards as well as old photographs transformed into cards – dating back from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Each image is captioned by the author, who integrated Franco Amirante’s precious collection with postcards made available by local people. Fragments of history and emotional quotes by famous authors embellish and complete this collection. 2001 (€ 25,90).
Marisa Toesca, WHITE HELL. From the hinterland of the extreme westernmost part of Liguria where some villages and hills mark the border with France, from the woody mountain sides to the barren knolls of the gorgeous Argentina Valley these stories of life and death are born…These few lines introduce the poignant work of an extraordinarily sensitive woman. It is impossible not to feel overwhelmed while reading “Gina’s dolls” the final story in this book, it is a tale portraying examples of rare selflessness. 2002 (sold out).
Sandro Oddo, SUNTA’S CHESTNUT TREE. STORIES, TALES AND FABLES OF THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY. While the author is Sandro Oddo, in reality the authentic writers of this book, that can be read in one sitting for its simple and captivating style are local inhabitants, including children, who tell their stories and fables. Sunta’s chestnut which gives the book its title, is an extraordinary horse chestnut tree that sprung from the the ruins of an ancient early Christian church dedicated to Saint Peter and later demolished to make space for a parade ground. 2002 (€ 10,00).
Lorenzo Lanteri, PLACE NAMES OF THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY OBTAINED FROM 18th CENTURY CARTOGRAPHY AND THE ANCIENT VILLAGE STATUTES. This historical and etymological research revealed the presence of ancient toponyms still in existence today. These date back to the Village Statutes of the 1300s and also 1700s cartography. The book includes interesting facts extracted from various other works. 2002 ( sold out).
Various Authors, I TELL YOU ABOUT MY VALLEY. EXPERIENCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE ARGENTINA VALLEY.
Written by local students and curated by the National Board of Didactics Direction in Taggia, this book contains research undertaken by teachers and students of the “Giovanni Ruffini” nursery, elementary and junior high schools in Taggia. From the multiple-arched Roman Bridge we follow a suggestive itinerary with the aid of mayors, local administrators and ordinary citizens until we reach the highest peaks in Liguria. 2004 (€ 15,00).
Alessandro and Andrea Scibilia, THE WITCH’S GRIN, NOX PROFUNDA. The now legendary Triora witch hunt that started in the year 1587 is told quite effectively through this graphic novel created by two brothers from Ventimiglia. The small book also includes a preface by Sandro Oddo as well as facts about the inquisition and tarot cards. (€ 3,50).
Ilario Manfredini, THE FRESCOES OF THE SAN BERNARDINO CHURCH IN TRIORA AND THE PIEDMONT PICTORIAL PRODUCTION IN THE ARGENTINA VALLEY.
This interesting study by a young graduate from Turin not only deals with the frescos of the Triora church by carefully reexamining them but also compares them to frescoed churches painted by artists in other areas, hence trying to give ownership to works already attributed to Canavesio. 2006 (€ 5,00).
Sandro and Silvano Oddo. AROUND TRIORA. GUIDE FOR THE CURIOUS TOURIST. An authentic Triora born and bread inhabitant, while confessing about not knowing his birthplace perfectly, takes the tourist along the roads and “carugi” (lanes), conveniently listed in alphabetical order. Wonderful and significant images illustrate and document the various works of art. Suitable for everyone. 2006 (€ 8,00).
Paola Traversone, THE ALTAR OF THE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST (San Giovanni Battista) ORATORY IN TRIORA. AN IMAGE OF THE UPPER ARGENTINA VALLEY IN THE LATE SIXTEEN HUNDREDS. The author, an official of the Superintendence for the Historical, Artistic and Ethno-anthropological Heritage of Liguria, after describing this oratory dating back to the 1600s, moves on to describe the art works found inside, carefully highlighting the wooden altar by Giovanni Battista Borgogno, gilded by Antonio Maria Vaccaro from Genoa as well as the icon depicting the nativity of San Giovanni Battista by Lorenzo Gastaldi. The various phases of the church’ restoration accomplished by the Bonifacio Laboratory in Bussana are described in the book’s final chapter. 2009. (€ 5,00).
Sandro Oddo. DISPUTED LANDS. CONTRASTS BETWEEN TRIORA AND BRIGA. Over the years the Triora municipality and the then Piedmontese area of Briga were caught in numerous fights over the possessions of high mountain pastures, especially those around Mount Saccarello. The centuries-old story about these arguments told by a born and bread Triorese are by no means biased but simply describe in great detail the events as they happened. It is impossible to tell who was right between the two contentious sides; they were probably both right as different reasons pushed them to confront each other. Besides dozens of old documents, the book includes precious ancient maps. 2010. (€ 18,00).
Alfonso Assini, Paolo Fontana, Gian Maria Panizza, Paolo Portone THE WITCHES’ HOUSE IN TRIORA. The trials’ documents. The authors wished to make available to the public the most complete collection of all the known documents of the Triora trials. Started by the Vicars of the Albenga Bishop and the Genoa Inquisitor in 1587, the trials were pursued in 1588 by commissioner Scribani whom had been sent by the Genoa government. They were ended in 1589 by the Roman Holy Office (this collection contains an addition of two further interesting documents dating 1594 and 1618.) These documents are followed, in appendix, by reports that started the trials for alchemy and false monetization of Father Marco Faraldi and Giovanni Battista Oddo, both contemporaries to the arrival of Scribani in Triora (June 1588). 2014. (€ 15,00).
Various Authors, THE CHURCH OF MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE IN TRIORA.
This booklet made of just a few pages, documents the story of a XVII century church, to which the locals are very devoted. The occasion for its publication was the restoration of the wooden altarpiece sculpted by Battista Gastaldi. His methods are described by the person who actually restored them, Riccardo Bonifacio of Bussana. 2011 (non for sale)
Paolo Giardelli and Carlo Maccagno, TRIORA, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF AN ANCIENT VILLAGE. This is a dvd, lasting 36′ and 21” containing images of the territory, of characters nowadays deceased and of traditions still alive today. You can see the procession to the mount, the lowering of Jesus from the cross, the San Zane gathering, Strigòra, the lighting of the Christmas bonfire with the arrival of the sledge carrying gifts. You will be shown the healing properties of herbs and how to prepare certain local specialities such as turun. You will be emotionally overwhelmed in listening to Erminio from Realdo while he recites one of his most beautiful poems and the old Mayor Luigin Capponi explaining ancient peasants customs. (€ 10,00).
All the Pro Triora associates benefit from a 10% discount on all publications and dvds. The subscription fee (€ 15,00) includes a three-monthly magazine “Seasons in Triora”, free visits to the Museums and other benefits.
PUBLICATIONS BY THE MUNICIPALITY OF TRIORA
Various Authors, TRIORA AND ITS TERRITORY. It is the very first municipality guide map published by De Agostini in Italy; it contains important contributions by various experts on different subjects (such as history, traditions, flora, fauna, tourism, sports, the museum, Brigascan dialect, ect.) It includes suggestive images as well as a large wonderfully detailed map which is very useful for excursions. It sold out almost immediately, reprinted in 1994. 1986 – rep.1994 (€8,00).
Lorenzo Lanteri, THE TRIORA VILLAGE STATUTES, AN HISTO-JURIDICAL ANALYSIS. The researcher, particularly conversed in touristic topics, introduces the Triora village statutes, analysing in depth the juridical aspects also lingering on the historical events of the ancient podesteria. This book, published to mark 400 years since the Witchcraft Trials in Triora, is dedicated to the memory of the scholar Father Francesco Ferraironi, on the then 25th year anniversary of his death in 1988. (€ 10,40).
Various Authors, THE MOLINI AND TRIORA MASSACRE IN JULY 1944.
On the 50th anniversary of the tragic nazifascist killings in the Upper Argentina Valley, Molini di Triora, Triora as well as the rest of the Province of Imperia gathered texts from other books by various authors for this publication . Valuable and precious is the contribution from Prof. Gianni De Moro, secretary general of the Historical Institute of the Resistance, who duly listed the names of those who paid with their lives in the fight for freedom from tiranny. 1994 (€ 5,00).
All books sold at the Ethnographic and Witchcraft Museum in Triora.
