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VARIGOTTI AND THE PATH OF THE FIVE SENSES: SCENTS OF LAND AND SEA
The Varigotti Promontory, the subject of a recent environmental restoration, is among the most important sites in western Liguria for its scenic, natural and historical-archaeological values. From the belvedere near the tower, the view embraces to the west the coastline as far as Capo Mele, and to the east, beyond the striking cliffs of Capo Noli, the entire Ligurian coast as far as Portofino and the Cinque Terre. On clearer days the Apuan Alps and Corsica can be seen. Following the guide's clues we will discover curious defense strategies of plants and their adaptation to the climatic conditions of the environment: light, drought, temperature. Using our senses we will find peculiar formations related to specific micro-environments, including halophytes, resistant to high concentrations of salt (sea fennel). Among the species present that we will be able to learn about during the school field trip: greater thyme, rue, arborescent wormwood, characterized by the light shade of the leaves that allows less transpiration, alaternus, lentisk, with leathery leaves, arboreal spurge, which defends itself against drought by losing its leaves in summer (summering). The top of the’Natural Area of Varigotti Promontory, among terraces with olive trees, Byzantine archaeological remains and a botanical garden, will give us a splendid view of Saracen Bay and the Ligurian Sea. Hiking or sneakers are indicated.
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THE PATH OF THE BAY OF THE SARACENS
From the old village of Varigotti, with its houses overlooking the beach, skirting the ruins of the ancient hamlet of Costa, we will ascend along the path above the Saracen Bay. The educational trail will take us to the ancient church of S. Lorenzo (6th / 17th - 16th century): a Benedictine coenoby in the distant past, it was the parish of Varigotti until 1585. The church of San Lorenzo recalls the lyric “Sera di Liguria,” in which Vincenzo Cardarelli compares our churches to “ships about to sail.” On its ancient walls we can search for and touch fossils embedded in Finale stone and observe Campanula isophylla, an endemism of the Finale area. All around white rocks are tinged pink in the light of sunset.
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VARIGOTTI, SARACEN PIRATE TREASURE HUNT
Beloved for its quietness by many members of the entertainment and cultural world, Varigotti is composed of small medieval cores clinging to olive trees and a “Saracen” village with colorful terrace-roofed houses facing directly onto the beach. The treasure hunt will let us relive the past and discover the secrets of this ancient seafaring village!
