Built in 13 BC. at the behest of the Emperor Augustus to connect Rome to southern Gaul, the Via Iulia Augusta in the stretch between Alassio and Albenga constitutes one of the most evocative historical naturalistic routes in Liguria, easy to follow and with the typical colors and smells of the Mediterranean maquis. On the Alassio side, the route starts from the square of S. Croce, located as the crow flies above the small port of Alassio and can be reached along the Strada Romana S. Croce. At the end of the route and having reached the amphitheater, in the Municipality of Albenga, after a short descent, after crossing the modern bridge over the Centa river, you reach Albenga with its historic center and medieval towers. From here it is then possible to return to Alassio by public transport bus or by train.
Historical period
The Via Iulia Augusta takes its name from the Emperor Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor, who had it built (although it is probable that a route already existed before) between 13 and 12 BC. to complete the itinerary that connected Rome to southern Gaul. The road, in its coastal stretch that passed in Liguria, made it possible to reach the locality of Arles in Provence from Vada Sabatia (today’s Vado Ligure). Another short stretch of ancient pavement, similar to the one preserved in this stretch, is visible near Mortola, on the border with France. Other emperors, such as Hadrian and Caracalla, took care of the maintenance and reconstruction of the road. However, it must be remembered that the Roman road was the only land communication route that crossed western Liguria until the early nineteenth century, when Napoleon first and the Savoys later began and completed the coastal road, the current Via Aurelia. Obviously, there must have been numerous maintenance interventions on the road over more than 2,000 years.
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Price
Free