Latte between Coastal History and Mediterranean Gardens

Historical Traces and Architecture

Villa Corinna is a fortified tower from the 16th century. It was built to protect the Italian coast of the Riviera dei Fiori from pirates and Saracens. The supporting structure of its historic drawbridge has also been preserved. The structure, which appears U-shaped today, extends across the entire side of the central building section up to the level of the second floor.

In the Piana di Latte, the name “Strada Romana Antica” recalls the route of the ancient Via Iulia Augusta. A preserved section of the Via Julia Augusta leads to the entrance of Villa Hanbury.

Near Villa Eva in the Piana di Latte, archaeological investigations identified the remains of a Roman villa situated toward the sea. A fortified tower from the 16th century stands at Villa Corinna, while the remains of a Roman villa facing the sea lie at Villa Eva. The main façade of the parish church of San Bartolomeo in Latte is adorned with statues of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Augustine.

Those interested in culture can explore the fortified tower in Latte, its historic drawbridge, the remains of the Roman villa near Villa Eva, the ancient road connection and the statues on the parish church of San Bartolomeo.

Gardens, Vegetation and Marine Protection

In 1867, Thomas Hanbury planted an acclimatization garden in La Mortola. The grounds grew to 18 hectares. The grounds in La Mortola include planted areas and natural Mediterranean vegetation; the acclimatization garden also contains exotic plants.

The Piacenza-Boccanegra Garden is located in the Latte district of the municipality of Ventimiglia. The grounds of Villa Corinna comprise 2 hectares of Mediterranean land with olive trees, palms and cypresses. The area figures differ: La Mortola grew to 18 hectares, while Villa Corinna comprises 2 hectares.

The garden spaces therefore feature different planting focuses: in La Mortola, exotic plants and natural Mediterranean vegetation are part of the grounds, while Villa Corinna has olive trees, palms and cypresses.

The Area di Tutela Marina di Capo Mortola Marine Protected Area protects the stretch of sea in front of the Hanbury Botanical Gardens. Its purpose is the biological and geological preservation of species, ecosystems and mineral formations. At the same time, it promotes recreational use of the sea in this area. Biological and geological preservation therefore coexist here with recreational use of the sea.

A Path with Historical Connections

The Sentiero Liguria runs via the Via Romana into the Latte district toward Ville di Latte and crosses the railway crossing along the way. When planning routes in Latte, the Via Romana, the direction toward Ville di Latte and the railway crossing serve as specific reference points. For planning the described section of the route, the direction toward Ville di Latte and the railway crossing are just as relevant as the route via the Via Romana into the Latte district.

Discover More Places

More places: Isolalunga, Tavole, Poggi, Aurigo, Ciapin, Riva Ligure, Rezzo and Civezza.

To the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.