 Introduction
Considering its proximity to the French Riviera, Ventimiglia sees many tourists looking for an escape to Italy during the summer. French visitors flock across the border for the street market held every Friday, when vendors line the seafront with their colorful wares. A museum filled with ancient artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations in the area, as well as splendid botanical gardens, and gorgeous, wide beaches make Ventimiglia a wonderful destination for visitors.
Arrival Plane
Nice's (NCE) “Nice Cote D'Azur” is the best arrival option for international visitors. Only 40 kilometers to the east, Nice accommodates flights from around Italy and many cities throughout Europe. EasyJet runs direct flights to Nice from several British cities. Genoa's (GOA) “Aeroporto Di Genova” is a bit further, though still a valid option. Ryanair runs direct flights from London Stanstead to Genoa.
Train
Fast trains from Genoa will get you to Ventimiglia in just over two hours. From Nice (Nice Ville), the journey lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Car
Just east of the French border, Ventimiglia lies off the A10 Motorway. From Nice, 40 kilometers away, follow the A8 Motorway across the France/Italy border. Here the road becomes A10. Exit at Ventimiglia. From Genoa, the journey is approximately 160 kilometers. Follow A10 to the Ventimiglia exit.
Bus
Buses run between Ventimiglia and nearby Bordighera every fifteen minutes.
History and Culture
Genoa attacked Ventimiglia in 1139, and forced the city to enter their domain. The townspeople waged many rebellions over the years, but when the Napoleon armies conquered Italy, Ventimiglia became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and later the Kingdom of Italy.
Churches and Museums
This ancient church constructed in several phases, beginning in the 11th century, boasts a beautiful interior.
Church of San Michele
Built on the foundation of an ancient Pagan temple, this 15th century, Romanesque style church is worth a visit not only for its wonderfully ancient interior, but for the views one can see from there.
The Prehistorical Museum
Artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations around Ventimiglia, dating from Paleolithic times to the Roman Era are housed within this museum located on Via Balzi Rossi.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
Those interested in exploring ancient ruins have a few options in Ventimiglia. The ruins of a Roman theater dating from the second century, the remains of the city's ancient walls, and a variety of tombs can all be visited. Three miles east of the new town, in the Nervia plain, lie the ancient remains of Albintimilium, a town that dates from the Roman Era.
Places of Interest
Ancient remains have been found in the Caves of Balzi Rossi including the skeletons of a Cro-Magnon family, and artifacts from the Palaeolithic period. The archeological discoveries can be seen at the Prehistoric Museum.
The Giardini Botanici Hanbury
The Hanbury Botanical Gardens, as they are known in English, surround La Mortola, the Villa of Sir Thomas Hanbury. A tremendous variety of flora and fauna can be seen here. It's one of the largest and finest botanical gardens in Europe.
The Municipal Library
The municipal library in Ventimiglia houses one of Italy's largest collections of books and manuscripts dating from the 17th century. It is second in size only to one in Venice.
Events
Baroque music fills the streets during the Battaglia di Fiori, while the locals sing, dance, and construct their floats of flowers. The event culminates with a contest for the best float, and a parade.
Friday Market Day - Year Round
Vendors set up their stalls of clothing, food, household items, and more on the Ventimiglia shoreline each Friday.
Links
Transport
Transport
Ventimiglia's Official Website
Annual Event
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Ventimiglia Travel Guide
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