Riva Ligure between Coast, History and Cycle Paths

Riva Ligure between Coast and Culture

Riva Ligure can be viewed from several perspectives when planning your trip: the seafront promenade, the harbour, and archaeological and religious sites open up themes connected with the coast, paths and history.

Archaeological Traces at the Don

The archaeological site of Costa Balenae contains an early Christian basilica dating from the 6th century. Its three-aisled, apsidal layout makes the site a clearly defined destination for anyone interested in ancient and early Christian architectural history.

The site lies within the bend of the Don River near Capo San Siro, above the Aurelia and the Ponente ligure cycle and pedestrian path. The Capo Don excavation area is an archaeological site in Riva Ligure; researchers identify it with the centre known from Roman times as Costa Balenae.

In the town hall, the SEM, the Spazio Espositivo Multimediale, complements the archaeological experience with a virtual and immersive tour of the archaeological site. This connects the history of the place with a contemporary form of interpretation.

Churches and Ligurian Heritage

The Santuario della Madonna del Buon Consiglio is the former Church of San Maurizio; its interior contains sculptures by Anton Maria Maragliano. The surviving bell tower dates approximately from the 11th century. Construction of the new Church of San Maurizio was approved in 1693; it is one of the landmarks of Riva Ligure’s Baroque heritage. The Feast of San Maurizio is part of the calendar of traditional events in Liguria.

The present-day Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista dates from the 17th century and has a broad nave decorated with stucco and valuable paintings. During its restoration, wall paintings from a late Baroque renovation were uncovered in the presbytery. The forecourt of the parish church of San Maurizio is an example of Ligurian paving dating from 1760.

The Torre Barbaresca was built as a coastal fortification to protect the settlement and landing place of Riva Ligure. After its completion, it served to observe the sea, position artillery, and protect those inhabitants who could not flee inland.

Seafront Promenade, Cycle Path and Sea

The seafront promenade of Riva Ligure opposite Piazza Ughetto was upgraded with new paving, the removal of architectural barriers, landscaping and new street furniture. It is directly connected to the Ciclovia Tirrenica. At the same time, the Riviera dei Fiori cycle path runs through the historic centre, while the harbour lies immediately below the historic centre.

S. L. A. La Torre on Piazza Ughetto is linked to the Accessible Seaside Guide 2025. This location has a 0.90 m-wide PVC walkway associated with it, located 15 m from the shoreline. The moorings of the Noleggio Riva boat rental service are located at the mouth of the Torrente Argentina.

More Destinations

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Montegrazie, Terzorio, Isolalunga, Borgo D'oneglia, Vallecrosia, Costa D'oneglia, Diano Marina and Vasia

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.