A wonderful place to visit if you’re holidaying in the Northwest region of Liguria is the charming town of Ventimiglia, located between the Italian ‘Riviera’ and the Cote d’Azur.
It’s a hugely popular tourist destination because of its stunning coastal views, beautiful historical and cultural buildings and of course, its annual ‘Battle of Flowers’ carnival!
There are several lovely holiday villas in Ventimiglia for the tourist to base their exploration of this glorious town and all it has to offer!
There are two parts to this town, the higher section is the old town and the more modern section is further below on the hill. Places of tourist interest in the town include the majestic Romanesque Cathedral of Ventimiglia which dates back to the 11th century.
It’s a hugely popular tourist destination because of its stunning coastal views, beautiful historical and cultural buildings and of course, its annual ‘Battle of Flowers’ carnival!
There are several lovely holiday villas in Ventimiglia for the tourist to base their exploration of this glorious town and all it has to offer!
There are two parts to this town, the higher section is the old town and the more modern section is further below on the hill. Places of tourist interest in the town include the majestic Romanesque Cathedral of Ventimiglia which dates back to the 11th century.
Within its walls is the famous painting ‘Madonna with Child’ by Barnaba da Modena. Browse around and enjoy the sights of the medieval public palace, the parliament building and the Oratorio di San Seconde.
There’s also a wonderful museum here to tourists to visit that contains artefacts discovered at the nearby caves of the Balzi Rossi and from an archaeological site called Albintimilium where they found clay figurines of ancient Roman gods.
If you’re here during June and July, then you’re in for a treat! Described by Hollywood’s famous actor, Carrie Grant as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, Ventimiglia’s Flower Battle festival is indeed one of the most vibrant and exciting flower carnivals in the world! Although celebrations like this are held in countries all over the world, few combine the ancient origins of the festivities with music, dancing, drama and feasting as cleverly as the people of Ventimiglia do!
During the second half of the month of June, visitors can enjoy watching the annual parade of flower adorned floats moving through the town, accompanied by marching bands, dancing, people dressed up in colourful costumes and much more!
There’s also a wonderful museum here to tourists to visit that contains artefacts discovered at the nearby caves of the Balzi Rossi and from an archaeological site called Albintimilium where they found clay figurines of ancient Roman gods.
If you’re here during June and July, then you’re in for a treat! Described by Hollywood’s famous actor, Carrie Grant as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, Ventimiglia’s Flower Battle festival is indeed one of the most vibrant and exciting flower carnivals in the world! Although celebrations like this are held in countries all over the world, few combine the ancient origins of the festivities with music, dancing, drama and feasting as cleverly as the people of Ventimiglia do!
During the second half of the month of June, visitors can enjoy watching the annual parade of flower adorned floats moving through the town, accompanied by marching bands, dancing, people dressed up in colourful costumes and much more!
This heart-warming festival dates back to pagan times when farmers celebrated the generosity of Mother Earth who provided them with healthy crops throughout the seasons. This flower carnival was a token of thanks for their rich harvests from the land and a reflection on the miracle of growth in spring after a cold dead winter.
Tourists should make a point of visiting one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe at the Villa Hanbury where most of the flowers are grown for the celebrations. It consists of eighteen acres of land which grows over two thousand species of flowers. Visitors can also admire a glorious view of the coast of Liguria from this blossoming haven!
A trip to this stunning part of Northwest Italy to the 51st Battle of Flowers would be an enriching and exciting experience for any visitor!
Tourists should make a point of visiting one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe at the Villa Hanbury where most of the flowers are grown for the celebrations. It consists of eighteen acres of land which grows over two thousand species of flowers. Visitors can also admire a glorious view of the coast of Liguria from this blossoming haven!
A trip to this stunning part of Northwest Italy to the 51st Battle of Flowers would be an enriching and exciting experience for any visitor!
Photo credits
picture 2: Ucla90024 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Naaldenberg / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 2: Ucla90024 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Naaldenberg / CC BY-SA 3.0