Bergeggi
Bergeggi Island: a natural paradise on the Riviera di Ponente
If you are looking for a lovely place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, you cannot miss a visit to Bergeggi Island. This islet is located on the Riviera di Ponente, in front of the town of Bergeggi, and is a true paradise for lovers of marine fauna and flora.
Environment
Inserted within the Bergeggi Regional Nature Reserve, the island appears as a very high cliff rising almost 53 meters above the sea. The coast is rocky and numerous shrubs of typical Mediterranean vegetation grow on it. Among the most common plant species, we find Crithmum maritimum, Limonium cordatum, Campanula sabatia and Euphorbia dendroides.
But it is not only plants that inhabit the island. The marine fauna is also rich and diverse. The seabed around the islet offers a wide variety of fish, mollusks and invertebrates, making it a true sanctuary of biodiversity.
To preserve these natural riches, a marine protected area was established around Bergeggi Island in 2007. Thanks to this measure, the fauna and flora of the sea around the island are now safe.
History, religion and folklore
Bergeggi Island has a very interesting and fascinating past. Traces of human settlements that date back to the pre-Roman era can be found on the islet. Later on, the watchtower that stands on the top of the island was probably used as a lighthouse to signal the nearest landing, towards Vado Ligure.
But the island's history is also linked to Christian religion. On its summit, the remains of a 4th century church dedicated to St. Eugene of Carthage, of African origin, can be found. He remained on the island until his death. For this reason, the islet was also called "Isola di Sant'Eugenio."
But the island has also been known by other names, depending on who lived in the nearby villages. In the past, it was called "Isoletta di Liguria," "Isola di Spotorno," "Isola di Noli" and "Isola di Vado," but in the end the name "Isola di Bergeggi" prevailed over all others.
The tower
The watchtower on Bergeggi Island is one of the oldest and most suggestive monuments on the islet. Its construction probably dates back to the Roman era, when the islet was an important landing center for ships coming from the Riviera di Ponente.
The tower is divided into three distinct parts. The first is a triangular stone enclosure, the second is a circular opus quadratum structure, and the third is a medieval construction with a square base, built on the foundations of the pre-existing circular tower. It is not yet clear whether the structure was actually a lighthouse or had other functions, but its presence is an important testimony to the island's past.
The monastery of St. Eugene
According to popular legend, Bergeggi Island was the protagonist of a miraculous event: it is said that the island "carried" St. Eugene of Carthage and Vendemiale, who were fleeing from the persecutions of the Vandals. St. Eugene settled on the island and remained there until his death, while Vendemiale left for Corsica.
To commemorate the presence of the saint on the islet, a monastery dedicated to St. Eugene of Carthage was built over the centuries, but unfortunately only a few ruins remain today.
Conclusion
Bergeggi Island is a place full of history, legends and natural treasures. Everyone who visits it will surely be fascinated, seduced by the beauty of nature and the history that surrounds it. If you love nature and history, you cannot miss a visit to Bergeggi Island.
