FINALESE: the Ponci Valley

Via Iulia Augusta, caves and Roman bridges: a journey through time between history and nature

The hike starts from theManie Plateau, near Trattoria Gambero Verde, above Finale Ligure. Taking a quiet paved side road, we pass the church of San Giacomo to soon reach theWeapon of Foibles, an important archaeological site that testifies to the human presence between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic.

From here begins the picturesque descent to the Ponci Valley, immersed in a natural environment dominated by holm oaks and fragrant essences of the Mediterranean maquis. The trail leads to an extraordinary sequence of Roman engineering works along the ancient route of the Via Iulia Augusta: first the Dumb Bridge, then the Deaf Bridge and finally the magnificent Fairy Bridge, perfectly preserved and of great charm.

From the Bridge of the Fairies the ascent begins, during which we encounter the Weapon of the Fairies, a cave that has yielded artifacts from the Early Paleolithic period and numerous remains of cave bears (Ursus spelaeus), which used it as a hibernation shelter.

The final ascent takes place within a cool ilex forest, until leading back to the starting point, closing the loop itinerary on the Manie Plateau. A hike that combines archaeology, nature and landscapes in one of the most fascinating settings in western Liguria.