What to see in Bordighera

12 things to see in Bordighera

Bordighera is a place that makes travelers fall in love with the atmosphere and lifestyle it offers.

Let’s face it, in this small seaside town there are no great monuments comparable to the great Italian cities of art.

But like every little pearl of our country, even here between a swim in the sea is a walk in the green, there are many things to admire.

Do not miss the best: here is the list of 12 things to see absolutely in Bordighera.

The small church of Sant’Ampelio is the symbol of Bordighera and stands at the very southernmost point in all of Liguria and all of northern Italy.

This place, along with the cliff just below, is a place cherished by all Bordighera residents.

There is a long waiting list for newlyweds who want to have their wedding here, but the wait is definitely worth it.

Under this church is a hidden crypt where the city’s patron saint lived: it is often possible to visit it.

The historic center of Bordighera is called “Bordighera Alta” and represents the first settlement that gave rise to the city.

Bordighera Alta dates back to 1470 and is a fortified village within which a dense network of alleys, alleys and squares branches off.

This historic center is perfectly preserved and maintained and is full of characteristic restaurants and bars ideal for an Italian aperitif.

The Argentine seafront has always been the pride of the city of Bordighera because, historically, it was the longest pedestrian seafront promenade on the Riviera.

It is so called because it was inaugurated by Evita Peròn, wife of the Argentine president, in 1947.

Many things have changed since then and the continuation to the west of the seafront is a beautiful cycle and pedestrian walk that, through the neighboring municipalities, leads up to Ventimiglia and up to Dolceacqua.

The Beodo is an ancient path that goes into the Sasso valley from the heart of Bordighera Alta.

This walk that retraces the ancient aqueduct, is immersed in the green of the palms, the mimosas and the rich Mediterranean vegetation. The scenery is very suggestive and if you want to visit it it is advisable to do it in the morning, especially in winter, due to the exposure to the sun.

The more adventurous can go as far as the hamlet of Sasso, at the top of the valley.

If you are a nature lover and you are passing by Bordighera, you cannot miss the Pallanca Exotic Garden .

This garden of over 10 thousand meters specializes in succulent and succulent plants: the largest collection in Europe is built here and one of the largest in the world.

For an unforgettable experience it is advisable to visit it in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sun rising in the east.

This garden on the slopes of Monte Nero has a beautiful view of the sea and is the ideal set for taking wonderful photos.

Behind the high Bordighera, hidden by vegetation and ancient walls, is Villa Mariani, seat of the Pompeo Mariani foundation.

Pompeo Mariani was a famous 19th century painter, friend of the greatest impressionists in history. He who lived in this villa.

Inside this property you can still see La Specola, his Atelier, where the artist created his masterpieces.

Very interesting guided tours are organized every week.

Inside the park of the villa it is still possible to see one of the olive trees portrayed by Claude Monet in one of his paintings on Bordighera.

For visits Tel: +39 0184265556
For info and updates: Facebook page Villa Pompeo Mariani

Villa etelinda is the result of the work of two extraordinary 19th century architects: Charles Garnier, who designed the structure of the villa, and Ludwig Winter who oversaw the design of the park.

This wonderful villa overlooking the Via Romana was commissioned by the German banker Raphaël Bischoffsheim.

Following a somewhat troubled history and several owners, the villa was sold to Queen Margherita of Savoy.

Today it is possible to visit it on special occasions or by appointment.

For visits Tel: +393923214321

The Bicknell museum is a curious stop that allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Clarence Bicknell, an English mathematician, botanist, archaeologist who lived in Bordighera at the end of the 19th century. Here, among other things, he studied the ancient rock paintings of Monte Bego.

From the beautiful Via Romana you go down towards the museum admiring the luxuriant vegetation. Here you can be amazed by a gigantic specimen of ficus and a beautiful wisteria plant on the facade of the museum.

Inside the museum you can admire the activity of the English botanist including a beautiful collection of butterflies.

Charles Garnier designed two villas with a very similar imprint in Bordighera. The first was Villa Etelinda and the second, in fact, Villa Garnier which dates back to 1871.

The villa, which overlooks the tourist port of Bordighera, is easily reached from the historic center: today it is a holiday home run by the nuns.

This majestic building is spread over three floors and is surrounded by a wonderful garden designed by Ludwig Winter. But what distinguishes this villa is the White Tower that rises in the sky, which the architect called “Mon mirador”.

The Marabutto is a former powder magazine that still houses three ancient cannons: “Butafoegu”, “Tiralogni” and “Cagastrasse”.

In fact it is a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, the marina and the small church of Sant’Ampelio.
This place is expensive you have bordigotti because many have spent their youth there and it represents the best observation point for the fireworks that take place every year on May 14th.

Nature is one of those elements that makes the lifestyle of those who want to experience Bordighera unique.

The most amazing examples of the luxuriant nature of this locality are the monumental hidden plants which it is.

The most incredible plants are the Ficus Macrophylla which are located near the Bicknell museum and behind the Town Hall: all the specimens easily reach 20 meters in height and have a diameter in the stem greater than 1 meter.

National Geographic has included the Bordighera sunset among 10 most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Especially during the winter season, in fact, the sun goes down below the horizon right at the foot of the Côte d’Azur and the spectacle, from the Argentine seafront in Bordighera, leaves you breathless.