Since 1261 the Principality of Sabourg has been divided administratively into two priories:
– the Priory of Saint John, at Seborga, formerly called the Priory of La Seborca;
– the Priory of Saint Michael, originally called the Chaplaincy of Saint Michael in Ventimiglia.
The Priory of Saint Michael, formerly the priory of the Chaplaincy of Saint Michael in Ventimiglia, was the seat of the promulgation of the first Constitution of the Principality of Sabourg, drawn up by Father Giacomo Costa and adopted by the monks of Sabourg in 1261.
The Priory held a vast territory, divided into several granges, that is to say hamlets. Its territory comprises a good part of the outlying villages of the municipality of Ventimiglia, the municipality of Olivetta San Michele and part of the town of Sospel (France).
Today it is the seat of the economic capital of Sabourg, called La Grange.
Given its geographical position, between the Ligurian Sea and the river Roya, La Grange lends itself well to the territorial economic development of the Principality of Sabourg.
The project to build this economic capital is being defined by the Committee for Major Projects, under the supervision of the Prime Minister and the Minister-Counsellors concerned.
Thanks to an initiative strongly desired by the Prince-Abbot, the Priory will be the seat of a smart city with a technology hub for nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, welcoming Italian and foreign companies wishing to develop cutting-edge technological innovations.
The identification of the space needed for industrial development is already the subject of a study by ASEPAS. A conference presenting the project will be organised.
Many projects in the academic, educational and sporting fields will also be supported, with a view to a strategic revival of the territory in cooperation with the Italian administrative authorities.
Moreover, as the seat of the Sabourg Aero Club and the Sabourg Yacht Club, it will host high-level events in both sailing and civil aviation.
The Priory of Saint Michael works with that of Saint John to bring history, spirituality and technological innovation together.
