Triora - The Town Of Witches

Triora, in Italy, is a sleepy little ancient hill towns in the valley of Argentine in the region of Liguria, close to the French border. Much of the architecture in Triora dates back to the 12th century, but its period of greatest fame was during the 16th century when a number of witch trials were conducted by the Inquisition. The town boasts an excellent museum of witchcraft, and to this day has a powerful association with witches. Some decedents of the original witches can still be seen in the town to this day.

Triora's beauty overshadows a gruesome Middle Ages renown. A year of bad weather and crop shortages in 1587 led to the accusation that witches were conspiring against Triora. A group of women from Triora and local villages were accused of sacrificing babies to The Devil. They were tried, tortured, and burned alive between 1587-89. "La Cabotina", the place of their blasphemous rites still exists.

The residents of Triora seems to take a rather morbid pride on the town’s dark history. Apart from a museum, there are witch shops, sign posts, sculptures, witch houses and various relics dotting the entire town. Triora also holds a series of folklore- and horror-themed events and festivals. It has three annual festivals: a summer witchcraft festival, in August; and two autumn celebrations: the mushroom festival in September; and Halloween, at the end of October.

Witch prison door

 

Parking for witches only

Witch dolls at a shop