Montenottes

Montenottes is a small commune located in the province of Savona in the Italian region of Liguria. The municipality spreads across an area of approximately 9 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of around 300 metres above sea level, giving it a gently hilly landscape characterised by Mediterranean scrub and vineyards. The surrounding area is part of the Ligurian Apennines, and the local climate is typical of the Tyrrhenian coast, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

The village has a long history that dates back to the early medieval period, when it was first mentioned in charters issued by the Counts of Lavagna. In 1796 it gained prominence during the French Revolutionary Wars, when the Battle of Montenotte was fought on the heights overlooking the town. The battle was a decisive victory for the French under General Napoleon Bonaparte, marking the beginning of the Italian campaign and signalling the decline of Austrian influence in the region. The site of the battle has since become a minor historical attraction, with a small memorial plaque and a lookout point offering views of the surrounding countryside.

Today Montenottes remains a quiet rural community, with a population of roughly 1,000 residents. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, especially olive cultivation and chestnut processing, as well as small-scale tourism that is drawn by the historical significance of the battle and the scenic Ligurian setting. The commune offers typical Ligurian cultural elements, including traditional festivals, artisanal olive oil production and ghost stories associated with the Napoleonic era.