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 Introduction
The color of the earth in the rural town of Camporosso is red. In Italian rosso means red, hence the name Camporosso. Though others say it is the red toads which once populated the region that gave the town its name. Ether way, Camporosso has been known since the Roman era. Nestled in the lovely Nervia Valley it's renowned for the oleander bushes that cover the landscape. The hills surrounding the region are home to a few ancient castles, now in ruins. The oldest among them date from the 6th century BC.
Originally the town was founded around San Pietro church. Today there is a cemetery there, and the Romanesque building includes interesting historical details such as 15th century frescoes, and a bell tower from the 11th century.
An array of wonderful activities await in Camporosso. A visit to the nearby Val Nervia nature reserve, a taste of barbagiuai a local specialty, or a stroll along the town's historic streets are just a few of the many delights Camporosso has to offer.
 Arrival
Plane
The Nice (NCE) Nice Cote D'Azur airport is closest to Camporosso, at 37 km to the south west. The airport in Genoa, (GOA) Aeroporto Di Genova is 118 km to the north. Both 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.
Car
45 km from Nice, Camporosso lies just off the A10 motorway. Follow A8 to A10, and exit at Ventimiglia. From Genoa, 160 km from Camporosso, follow the A10 motorway to the Bordighera exit.
 History and Culture
Camporosso, the town where San Francesco Maria was born, dates from ancient times. Ruins from the 6th century BC can be found in the town's surrounding regions. Once part of Ventimiglia, Camporosso broke away in the late 1600s when it joined the Republic of Otto Luoghi. It later became part of the Republic of Genoa, and finally the Kingdom of Italy.
 Churches and Museums
San Marco Evangelista
This parish church houses works by Stefano Andrechi from the 1500s.
San Pietro
Dating from the 9th century, this Romanesque church includes its original bell tower.
Oratory dell'Suffragio
Housing a magnificent staircase, this Baroque style church was constructed in 1649.
Sanctuary of Mount Lussari
An important pilgrimage site since the 16th century, this church is located at the top of nearby Mount Lussari, accessible by cable car, or a two-hour hike. Recently restored in 2000 for the Jubilee, it houses many paintings including those by Tone Kralj, a Slovenian artist.
 Places of Interest
Val Nervia Nature Reserve
Located at the mouth of the Nervia River, this nature preserve is home to an incredible number of birds. Approximately 140 species migrate here every year. They settle among the fertile vegetation.
Monte Lussari
A cable car runs from Camporosso to the top of this mountain, but it's also accessible via a two hour hike. At the top, one will find the Sanctuary of Mount Lussari, an important pilgrimage site since the 15th century.
 Events
Feast of San Sebastiano - January 20
Camporosso's patron saint is celebrated each year with the procession of a laurel tree decorated with colorful hosts.
Feast of San Francesco Maria - September
Every September Camporosso throws a big celebration for this saint who was born here.
Feast of of the barbagiuai - Third Sunday In September
A celebration in honor of this regional specialty is held each September. It's a delicious sort of raviolis stuffed with pumpkin, and especially good with the local wine.
 Links
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