|
|
 |
|
The Riviera of Flowers
 |
Protected by the maritime Alps, warmed by the Ligurian sea due south, the climate of the westernmost section of this region is conducive to flower cultivation. With its inner valleys that have maintained most of the nature intact, the itinerary explores the inner soul of the Riviera dei Fiori. |
| Arma / Taggia |
 Following the Aurelia (main road) at about 1 km due west from Arma, a secondary road brings one to Bussana Vecchia a village destroyed by a late XIXth century earthquake yet gradually being rebrought to life by artists that have settled amidst the ruins.
An important town in medieval times, much heritage remains: protective walls, a bridge of Roman origin, a castle, and the Dominican convent which houses many painting by Ligurian artists. The surrounding hills are often covered by greenhouses for flower production. A few kilometers inland, Castellaro has a wonderful panorama on the Argentina valley. |
| Triora |
 After Molini di Triora and the winding road to this rustic medieval village, we find a place of contrasting beauty. Walking through the narrow streets, noting the Occitan-tainted dialect of the remaining locals, we find the Collegiata dell'Assunta and its ethnologic museum depicting life living off of the mountain, of agriculture and of commerce - as in Loreto, gateway for teh commerce of salt between Liguria and Piemonte. |
| Valle del Nervia |
After the passage of the Colle di Langan we turn back towards the sea and reach Pigna. Typical medieval burg, dominated by the ruins of a castle erected to protect the road to Triora, it is stitched together by concentric road that hug the steep hillside. Stops in the churches of San Michele and San Bernardino will reveal frescoes of Canavesio.
 A brief detour at Isolabona towards Apricale offers a stratigically positioned panorama and the ruins of the romanic church of S. Pietro in Ento (XIth century).
FInally, in the lower valley, Dolceacqua is a town split in two by the river, with the older section on the left bank. Dominated by the Doria castle, the old town is plenty of wonders, including the church of S. Giorgio (XIth century). |
| Ventimiglia |
Back to the seashore, a stopover at the gardens of Villa Hanbury is a perfect conluding stop. Built by an English family with a passion for botany, the facility translates a true appreciation of the environment of western Liguria. |
|
|
 |
|
|
