How to explore Ventimiglia Alta on the Italian Riviera: A self-guided stroll around the Medieval town's lanes, piazzas and town gateways

Ventimiglia is situated on the Italian Riviera in Western Liguria, 150 kilometers west of Genoa, Liguria’s regional capital; 20 kilometers east of the Principality of Monaco; and 50 kilometers from Nice on the French Riviera. I moved there, to the old town, Ventimiglia Alta, in 1997, to live in a little apartment perched high on the town wall above Porta Nizza. I am fascinated by the many facets of the town’s history from pre-Roman times to the present day: it came as no surprise when a psychic friend told me I had in past lives been both a Roman soldier and a medieval nun! A long way from growing up in Auckland, New Zealand. A while ago my friend Delia Lumbaca and I were trying to work out a way for the many visitors to Ventimiglia Alta to do a self-guided tour of the town. Delia suggested joining up the eight town gateways, and we duly formulated the circular route which is described in this book. I have translated (from Italian) and elaborated on our original idea to create this guide. The book opens with a short history of Ventimiglia Alta, tracing its development from pre-Roman times to the early 1900s. By the Middle Ages Ventimiglia Alta was completely walled around: by taking the circular route which I have described around the gate-ways which open in the town walls you will be guided off the main thoroughfares so that you can venture into little squares and fascinat-ing alleyways. Looking around, you will see many picturesque and photogenic details and I hope that this guide will enrich your visit. In the second part of this guide I have provided an insight into the principal points of interest in and near Via Garibaldi, Ventimiglia Al-ta’s main street. At the end of the guide I have provided practical details, including places to eat and where to stay, with contact numbers and websites.