Ospedaletti
Ospedaletti: a hospitable place in Liguria
Ospedaletti, also known as "Spiareti" in the Ligurian language, is a municipality in the province of Imperia in Liguria, with about 3161 inhabitants. Framed between Capo Nero and Capo Sant'Ampelio, Ospedaletti extends in a natural amphitheater on the Ligurian Sea. The town is mainly known for its extensive cultivation of ornamental plants and flowers. In this text, we will discover what makes this Ligurian municipality so hospitable.
Physical geography
Territory
The city of Ospedaletti develops on a coastal strip and on the slopes overlooking the inlet. Here, extensive cultivation of ornamental plants and flowers persists, which, combined with the natural beauty of the Ligurian coast, creates a unique and pleasant environment.
Climate
The climate of Ospedaletti is mild all year round, thanks to its privileged location on the Ligurian Sea. Winter average temperatures are usually around 11°C, while summer temperatures just exceed 22°C.
History
The history of Ospedaletti dates back to the early 14th century when a Provençal nobleman, Fulcone di Villaret, Grand Master of the Order of Malta, was caught in a storm in the Gulf of Liguria while travelling from the Middle East to France. Fortunately, his sunken ship didn't cause any casualties, and he and his crew landed on Giunchetto Beach. As a gesture of gratitude to Saint John the Baptist, he built a chapel known today as the Church of Sant'Erasmo and founded a hospice to help pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. From this hospice would derive the name Ospedaletti, which means "hospitable place".
During the medieval period, Ospedaletti was governed by the Lascaris of Ventimiglia and later as a territory of the Republic of Genoa. In the 19th century, Ospedaletti became a well-known tourist destination, thanks to its health and natural beauty. In 1880, a French real estate company, the "Société Foncière Lyonnaise", decided to invest in this area for the construction of winter and summer resorts.
Development of Ospedaletti
In the mid-19th century, the city was a small community of fishermen and cultivators of olives and lemons. However, with the arrival of the railway between Genoa and Ventimiglia in the 1870s, and the subsequent opening of the Ospedaletti Ligure Station, things began to change. The town attracted tourists and quickly developed as a tourist destination. The Société Foncière Lyonnaise did its part by investing in large resorts and actively promoting the city in Europe. The arrival of cinema, in particular, brought many VIPs to the city in the 60s and 70s, including Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
Ospedaletti today
Today, Ospedaletti continues to attract visitors thanks to its beauty and ideal location. The city is well connected to nearby towns, such as Sanremo, through the railway and highway, and is perfect for a peaceful holiday on the Ligurian coast. The city offers a wide range of activities, including mountain walks, excursions, boat trips, shopping, and, of course, local food and wine.
In summary, Ospedaletti is a small hospitable municipality in Liguria, known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and rich, charming history, which make it an ideal tourist destination to spend a peaceful holiday on the Ligurian coast.
