Ventimiglia between History, Coast and Markets

Ventimiglia between the Old Town and Antiquity

Ventimiglia combines Roman history, medieval religious buildings, botanical diversity and the atmosphere of Italian markets. When choosing accommodation for an individual stay in Italy, you will find a range of themes here to help plan your trip. Ventimiglia’s Old Town can be explored via winding alleyways and steep staircases leading from river level up to the hilltop.

Roman Traces in Nervia

The archaeological area of Nervia preserves the remains of the Roman city of Albintimilium. The area includes remains of the baths that can be visited. The Theatre of Nervia dates from the 2nd to 3rd century AD and complements the historical tour. The Antiquarium of Nervia displays an extensive selection of finds from the excavations.

Churches, Fortress and Library

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built between the 11th and 12th centuries on the ruins of a Carolingian cathedral. Its crypt preserves parts of an early medieval church from the 8th century. The Church of San Michele was built in the 10th century as a Benedictine priory; its crypt contains Roman columns, artefacts and a military milestone. The Forte dell’Annunziata was built between the 16th and 17th centuries as a military fortress to defend Ventimiglia. The Biblioteca Aprosiana was founded in 1648 by Father Angelico Aprosio.

Botanical Diversity and Prehistoric Landscape

The archaeological area of Balzi Rossi comprises caves at the foot of a wall of dolomitic limestone that were visited by prehistoric people during the Palaeolithic period. The Hanbury Botanical Gardens were established near Ventimiglia in 1867 to acclimatise plants from various parts of the world. They comprise 5,800 species of ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants. Thus, Ventimiglia brings together both prehistoric traces and an exceptionally well-documented diversity of plant life.

Paths, Waterfront and Markets

The Pista ciclabile Pelagos, opened in 2018, connects Ventimiglia and Camporosso and runs along former railway land. The Via Iulia Augusta runs along a route from the Trebbia River to the Var River, passing through Ventimiglia. The shore of Baia Beniamin consists of pebbles and sand. The Mercato del venerdì takes place every Friday along Ventimiglia’s waterfront. The Mercato dei fiori brings together local produce, flowers and plants and can be traced back to 1922.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Priorities

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can combine your personal interests with your travel options. The archaeological area of Nervia can be reached on foot from Ventimiglia railway station in 20 minutes. From the station, you can reach the Hanbury Botanical Gardens by taxi or by bus route 1 to the La Mortola stop. Historic sites such as the Old Town, Santa Maria Assunta, San Michele, the Forte dell’Annunziata and the Biblioteca Aprosiana offer different highlights from Balzi Rossi, the Hanbury Botanical Gardens or Baia Beniamin. This allows you to choose accommodation suited to your own daily rhythm and planned priorities.

You can also visit other places: Riva Faraldi, Monade Santa Lucia, Serreta, Costarainera, Diano Arentino, Ciapin, Bordighera and Pompeiana.

Back to the main travel overview: Imperia.