San Romolo between Monte Bignone, woodland trails and cultural heritage

Between parkland and sea

San Romolo lies in a landscape that combines nature, trails and traditional cultural sites. The San Romolo–Monte Bignone Urban and Landscape Park covers an area of more than 6 km². The park includes the ridge that descends from Monte Bignone to the sea. This combination of altitude and sea shapes the local setting and offers different possibilities for a stay.

The vegetation in the San Romolo–Monte Bignone area also changes with altitude. It ranges from Mediterranean maquis through oaks, Scots pines, beech trees and poplars to alpine flowering plants. Numerous chestnut trees also grow near San Romolo. The Parco Urbano Territoriale di San Romolo–Monte Bignone has been equipped with trails and designated picnic areas.

Trails for active days

If you would like to explore San Romolo by bicycle, the San Romolo and Monte Bignone area offers numerous forest trails used by mountain bikers. They are suitable for outings and downhill rides with sea views. Trails also lead into the mountain landscape on foot: From the Prato in San Romolo, you can reach Colle Termini di Baiardo and then continue uphill to the summit of Monte Bignone. The ascent takes about two hours.

A long mule track begins behind the Madonna della Costa Sanctuary and leads to San Romolo. In addition, an equipped riding stable in the San Romolo district offers daily horseback rides along wooded mule tracks and firebreaks. These different focuses can provide practical guidance when choosing your accommodation: the emphasis may then be on trails, peaks, cycling excursions or horseback rides.

Churches, caves and protected cultural heritage sites

The history of the area includes several religious points of reference. The Church of San Romolo was originally built in front of the cave known as “la Bauma”. According to tradition, this cave was the last place where Saint Romulus, the bishop, stayed. The Cappella di San Romolo on Strada Marsaglia in Località San Romolo is protected as an immovable cultural heritage site.

The Bauma di S.Romolo in Località Bauma is also protected as an immovable cultural heritage site. The Bauma houses a marble statue depicting the passing of Saint Romulus, donated in 1722 by Abbot Agostino Borea. According to tradition, the site became associated with the saint’s death. After a small chapel was built, the Bauma became a destination for numerous pilgrimages as a result of a series of miracles.

Monte Bignone and the Festival dei Boschi

The Castellaro stands strategically on the summit of Monte Bignone. The settlement there dates back to pre-Roman times and was inhabited by the Liguri Intemeli. The views of the trails and landscape therefore add a historical dimension that reaches back to the period before the Roman era.

The “Festival dei Boschi” takes place in San Romolo. Its twelfth edition was announced for 1 and 2 August 2026. The festival programme included walks, identifying local herbs, traditional games, pétanque tournaments and social football. San Romolo therefore appeals not only to visitors interested in nature and culture, but also to those who wish to include community events in their travel plans.

More destinations

If you would like to compare more places: Gorleri, Berzi, Poggialto, San Bartolomeo Al Mare, Lecchiore, Diano Castello, Bellissimi, Caravonica.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.