 Introduction
Comprised of two parts, Bordighera Alta, the historic medieval center, and the modern part near the sea, the town has much to offer. With a pretty pebble beach, tiny fishing port, stylish villa-lined streets, fashionable shops, and a strong British influence, Bordighera is an intriguing destination. Sun worshipers have been basking along Bordighera's shore for ages.
Arrival Plane
The airports in Nice (NCE) “Nice Cote D'Azur”, and Genoa, (GOA) “Aeroporto Di Genova”, are closest to Bordighera, and accommodate flights from around Italy, as well as many international cities. easyJet flies direct to Nice from several British cities. Ryanair runs flights from London Stanstead to Genoa, and Lufthansa operates three flights daily from Munich.
Train
From Nice, the train to Bordighera takes roughly one hour. From Genoa, express trains will get you there in two hours, other trains take three.
Car
45 km from Nice, Bordighera lies just off the A10 motorway. Follow A8 to A10, and exit at Bordighera. From Genova, 156 km from Bordighera, follow the A10 motorway to the Bordighera exit.
History and Culture
The British caught wind of this incredible spot after the publication of “Doctor Antonio,” by Giovanni Ruffini. Published in 1855, the novel takes place in Bordighera. A major population of British holiday makers began vacationing here in the 19th century, constructing many English style villas and parks, and bringing with them a tradition still present in the town today.
Margherita di Savoia, who was Queen of Italy from 1878 - 1900 when her husband King Humbert I reigned, lived in Bordighera for many years, and in 1926 died here at age 74.
Churches and Museums
Over 85,000 books and 1,300 magazines of archeology, history, and art, are kept at this museum founded by one of Bordighera's most famous British residents, Clarence Bicknell. An archeologist, scholar, painter, botanist, and Protestant minister, Bicknell donated many of his collections to museums in the Ligurian region. Also on view are thousands of images depicting Bicknell's discoveries.
Saint Ampelio's Church
Erected in the 11th century, this church, dedicated to Bordighera's patron saint is of Romanesque style. Updated in the 15th and 17th centuries, and again in 1884, it includes a modern facade and bell tower. A statue of St. Ampelio, from the 17th century stands near the altar, and a stone from La Turbie in Monaco can be found in the crypt. Legend has it that St. Ampelio slept on this rock, and died on it on October 5, 428.
Santa Maria Maddalena
Graced with a lovely bell tower, this parish church, built in the 1600s houses the relics of Saint Ampelio. It includes a sculpture of Mary Magdalene, by Filippo Parodi, one of Bernini's pupils, made of marble.
The Madonna of the Carmel's Chapel
The mayor of Bordighera, Giacomo Maria Giribaldi built this small church on his family's property, on the Piazza Mazzini, so the townspeople would not have to travel so far to the old town to attend mass. A rose window is situated on the church's facade above a lovely floral stucco frieze with a symbol of Mary. Tombstones of the Giribaldi family are set into the slate floor; A statue of Mary holding baby Jesus is set behind the altar; statues of St. Joseph and St. Erasmus are situated on either side; and many oil paintings, including those of St. John the Baptist, and St. Francis, fill the interior.
All Saint's Church
An Anglican church, established in the early 20th century for the massive British population, it's located near the cemetary on Via al Camposanto.
Historical buildings and monuments
Crowned by the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, the historical center includes the Piazza del Popolo, an old bell tower, and a variety of arches and other medieval architectural details.
Citta Vecchia
Three gates, the Porta del Capo, Porta Soprana, and Porrta Sottana were once the only entrances to this fortified area. Built on a five sided plan, many small alleys led to the Via Lunga, and the Via Dritta, the two main streets.
The International Municipal Library
Housing a great collection of Italian and English language books, the library also organizes many cultural events in town.
The Towers
Two towers, the Sapergo, and the Mostaccini were built in the 16th century to help protect the town from pirate raids. You can see them situated in the hills above the city, and can visit them by taking a drive up the Via dei Colli.
The Villa Mariani
A celebrated impressionist painter in the 19th and 20th centuries, Pampeo Mariani bought this villa in 1908, and lived here from 1909 to 1927. In 1911, the architect Rodolfo Winter, built an “atelier” in the orchards. Mariani called it the “observatory,” and many friends, including the Queen of Italy, Renoir, and Monet came here to visit him, and to paint.
The “Osteria del Mattone”
Doctor Antonio brought Miss Lucy to this house, in the novel. Situated at 22 Ospedaletti, it was a popular attraction for British tourists, and though a private house, it can still be looked upon from the outside.
George McDonald's House
The Scottish novelist lived with his family, at the Casa Coraggio in the 19th century. It was the place to be for a time, with many concerts and celebrations held there. Adjacent to the English Church, the building now houses many apartments, but a plaque affixed to the wall recognizes it as McDonald's former home. The writer returned to Britain after the death of his wife, and died in Surrey in 1905. But his ashes were returned to Bordighera, and are buried in the English cemetery near the old town, by his wife, Louisa.
Places of Interest
Renowned for its mild climate, Bordighera has a wonderful beach. A recipient of the “Blue Flag” award, the coastline is clean and beautiful.
Piazza de Amicis
Linking the old town with the modern section, this lovely square features a beautiful marble fountain with a Magiarge statue.
Via dei Colli
Following the gorgeous coastline, this route gives way to magnificent panoramic vistas.
The Pallanca Exotic Garden
A wonderful collection of cacti and succulents are among the 3,200 different types of plants found in this garden. The Copiapoa, native to Chile, is the garden's oldest plant, over three centuries old.
The Beodo Path
A breathtakingly beautiful trail that passes through a tunnel, continues along an old mule path, past stone walls, through olive groves and palm forests toward Sasso.
The Argentina Promenade
Running between the railway and the beach, this 2 km walk is lined with beautiful gardens. Inaugurated by Evita Peron in 1947, the promenade includes a theatre space where music concerts occur regularly.
Events
This celebration is held in honor of the relics of St. Ampelio when they moved from San Remo to Genoa in 1258. The splendid annual occasion includes a ball and fireworks.
International Comedy Festival - June
This celebration of humor has been happening in Bordighera since 1947.
Jazz and Blues Festival - September
A major music festival featuring artists from all over the world.
Links
Transport
Transport
Official Website
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