Ventimiglia Alta is the medieval old town of Ventimiglia, on a hill to the west of the river Roia. While the new town below lives on traffic, the market and the border, up here time slows down: stone caruggi (narrow alleys), 16th-century palazzi and some of the most important Romanesque churches in Liguria.
It is just a few minutes from Bordighera, by car or by train.
History
Before the medieval town, this was the site of the Roman city of Albintimilium, whose remains can be seen today on the Nervia plain. In the Middle Ages Ventimiglia was the stronghold of the counts of Ventimiglia and then passed to Genoa, which in the 16th century surrounded it with new walls.
What to see
The cathedral of the Assunta and the baptistery
The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built between the 11th and 12th centuries on the remains of an older church, is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Liguria. Next to it is the 11th-century baptistery, octagonal in plan, which still has its font for baptism by immersion.
The church of San Michele
Founded in the 10th century by the counts of Ventimiglia as a Benedictine priory and rebuilt in Romanesque style between the 11th and 12th centuries.
Via Garibaldi
The main street of the old town, with 16th-century palazzi, the Loggia del Parlamento, the oratory of the Neri, the Biblioteca Aprosiana and the Lion fountain.
Porta Canarda and the walls
Porta Canarda, with its 13th-century Gothic arch, looks out over the sea from a steep slope: paths along the coast start from here. Stretches of the 16th-century Genoese walls survive around the perimeter.
The Archaeological Museum
The Forte dell’Annunziata houses the Museo civico archeologico “Girolamo Rossi”, with hundreds of finds from the excavations of Albintimilium.
Tips for your visit
- How long you need: two hours for the old town; half a day with the museum.
- Getting there: by train to Ventimiglia station and then uphill on foot, or by car (about 6 km, a quarter of an hour).
- On Fridays: the big weekly market, one of the largest in Europe, is held in the lower town; it gets very crowded and traffic is heavy.
- Combine it with: towards France are the Hanbury Gardens and the Balzi Rossi; further on, Menton.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Ventimiglia Alta?
The Romanesque cathedral of the Assunta with its octagonal baptistery, the church of San Michele, Via Garibaldi and Porta Canarda.
How far is Ventimiglia from Bordighera?
About 6 km: a few minutes by train or a quarter of an hour by car.
When is the Ventimiglia market?
On Fridays, in the lower town.
