Diano San Pietro
Welcome to Diano Marina!
Hello friends, today we will take you on a discovery of Diano Marina, a beautiful Italian town located in the province of Imperia in Liguria. With its 5,579 inhabitants, Diano Marina overlooks the coast of the Riviera di Ponente, between Capo Cervo and Capo Berta. Here we will tell you about its history, physical geography, and its historical and cultural heritage. Are you ready? Let's get started!
The physical geography of Diano Marina
The territory of Diano Marina extends over the homonymous gulf, delimited by two promontories: Capo Cervo to the east and Capo Berta to the west. The historic center is located on the right and left of the San Pietro stream, which runs through the hills. The location is truly enchanting, a few kilometers from the crystal-clear sea, amidst hill landscapes of pine forests and olive groves. The Diano Marina beach is about four kilometers long and is renowned for the beauty of its coastline, the cleanliness of its waters, and the kindness of its beach establishments.
The history of Diano Marina
Human presence in Diano Marina dates back to the Paleolithic, with the passage of hunter-gatherer groups. There are numerous findings of lithic instruments and ceramics in various territories of the municipality, including Diano Calderina, Diano Serreta, Diano Gorleri, Borgo Muratori, and Diano Castello. The coastal settlement was inhabited by the Ligurians during the Early Bronze Age, between the 18th and 16th centuries BC.
During the Iron Age, Diano Marina became an important stopping point for merchants traveling from France to southern Italy. In 200 BC, the Roman Empire established a small stopping point called "Lucus Bormani", originally dedicated to the god Borman or Bormano. The presence of this locality along the Julia Augusta road is documented by the milestone found in Chiappa. There are still constructions of an urban agglomeration, which were discovered during some excavations adjacent to the sports field.
According to some sources, the primitive Christian education took place around the 1st century with the construction of the church dedicated to Saints Nazario and Celso, near the sports field.
Historical and cultural heritage
Diano Marina is rich in historical and cultural treasures. One of the most important attractions is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmine, dating back to the 17th century. The building has an interesting Baroque facade with a round arch portal and a dome with a lantern. Inside the nave, you can admire many works of art, including a painting attributed to a student of Titian.
Another monument of great interest is the Tower of Olives, an ancient medieval tower located at the entrance of the historic center of the town. The tower was built in the 14th century as a watchtower and defense against the attacks of Saracen pirates.
A visit to the historic center of Diano Marina is a unique experience. The narrow cobblestone streets are a veritable maze of architectural gems, including brightly colored Ligurian-style houses, small artisan shops, and enchanting squares. Among the churches in the historic center, stands out the one dedicated to San Giovanni Battista, built in the 16th century.
Local cuisine and culture
The cuisine of Diano Marina is closely linked to Ligurian tradition and its seafood specialties. One of the most famous dishes is the "vegetable pie", a kind of rustic pie filled with seasonal vegetables, stracchino, and mixed cheeses.
But the real specialty of Diano Marina is its seafood products, including Red Shrimp of the Riviera di Ponente, cod, and bottarga. You can taste these dishes in the numerous restaurants and trattorias in the center or in the beach kiosks.
And if you want to bring a piece of Diano Marina home, don't forget to buy extra virgin olive oil, pesto alla genovese, and Taggiasca olives, famous worldwide for their unique and unmistakable flavor.
Conclusion
Here we are at the end of our journey to Diano Marina. We hope to have introduced you to this beautiful Ligurian town and to have given you a desire to visit it. With its fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear sea waters, and its historical, cultural, and gastronomic beauties, Diano Marina is a must-visit destination for those who want to discover Liguria and the Mediterranean in all their splendor. Happy travels!
