Page 137 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

THE IT ALIAN RIVIER A AREA B Y AREA  135

THE RIVIERA DI

PONENTE

With the capital city of Genoa at one end and Ventimiglia, on the border
with France, at the other, the Riviera di Ponente extends for around 150 km
(93 miles). There is spectacular scenery in the interior, and the coast is so
green and lush that it is divided, fittingly, into the Riviera delle Palme (of
palm trees) and the Riviera dei Fiori (of flowers).
Any visitor to this area cannot fail to The western part of Liguria also
appreciate the mild climate of the coast, has a rich history, evoked by numerous
which has been exploited in the past for atmospheric towns and villages. Visitors
the cultivation of citrus fruits, and is now need to head only a short distance inland
used in the growing of cut flowers and to discover fascinating medieval towns
house plants, adapting customs as well which are in stark contrast to the touristy
as the landscape in the creation of a coastal towns. Traces of the Romans
new industry. can also be found both on the coast
Liguria is now one of the most and in the interior, such as at the five
important flower-growing areas in the Roman bridges in the Parco del Finalese
world. It is no coincidence that San Remo, (in whose limestone caves palaeolithic
one of the main towns along this coast, utensils and burial tombs have been
is known as the “città dei fiori”, or city of found), or at the excavations of
flowers. Olives are the other major crop, Albintimilium, ancient Ventimiglia.
grown particularly around Imperia. In between excursions, as well as
Just like the Riviera di Levante, the spending time on the beach or swimming
Riviera di Ponente became a favourite in the sea, visitors can relax and breathe
holiday destination among the European fresh clean air in one of the region’s
aristo cracy, particularly the British and the parks, such as the Parco Naturale del
Russians, from the late 19th century. Monte Beigua, above Savona. Here there
Hotels and Art Nouveau villas are still are trees and plants of tremendous variety
in evidence almost everywhere. and numerous animal species.

Triora, in the hinterland behind Imperia, also known as the “village of witches”
The parish church of San Tommaso in Dolcedo

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