Maritime Alps
The Maritime Alps is a real paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts in the Ligurian Alps. Those who spend their time here are free to enjoy the unique flora and the beauty of the rugged mountains and broad plains. The karst landscape with its rugged cliffs and caves which also produce rare vegetation is typical of the region. During the summer there are special shelters opening their doors for walkers who experience this unique landscape. Via Alpina offers many exellent tours across the Maritime Alps and it is a real El Dorado for trekking fans.
Of course, the Ligurian Alps are also interesting because of their historical monuments that are well-preserved in the beautiful scenery. Small, partially deserted medieval villages cling on the hillsides. Numerous small pilgrimage chapels invite tourists for reflection and meditation. Teggia walls that are above Bocchetta di Altare, Burotto and Monte Baraccone are silent witnesses of the wars of the 19th century.
The chestnut forests of Alpicella can move you back to the Neolithic Age. Our ancestors left their traces in the numerous caves here. After visiting the Archaeological Museum you can walk along the Strada Megalitica. There you will surely find a great number of old constructions.
On Monte Beigua, the holy mountain, one can find a Carmelite monastery of the 17th century in the seclusion of the woods. Here you can enjoy traditional Ligurian cuisine that offers delicious mushroom dishes. One of the most important cultural centres in the Ligurian Alps is the historical Sassello. In Palazzo Perrando decorated with magnificent frescoes, one can find a library, cultural center and the museum of archaeology and history of the region. In the church of San Giovanni and Concezione one can admire the paintings and sculptures by great masters from Genoa. Sassello is well-known among the gourmets for its delicious sweets. It’s a tradition to buy airy pastries, amaretto or liqueur as a souvenir for your nearest and dearest.
Numerous cottages and private apartments are available in the region. Due to the sustainable tourism they are mainly rented by hikers, cyclists and horseback riders.
Photo: www.planetmountain.com
