Rialto
Discovering Rialto
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small and charming town in the Ligurian hinterland: Rialto. Located in the province of Savona, this town has only 542 inhabitants, but don't be fooled by its size, because the beauty of Rialto will conquer you from the very first moment.
Physical geography
Rialto is located in the upper valley of the Pora stream, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The villages halfway up the left slope offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. But if you are nature lovers, you will have the opportunity to explore wooded areas that exceed the ridge, including Bric Gettina, which reaches 1,025 meters above sea level. In the past, some silver-bearing galena mines called Le miniere del Porrino operated here.
Rialto is not only nature but also agriculture. In Pian dei Corsi, you will find a regional nursery that extends for about 5 hectares and is currently managed by the municipal authority. Here you can taste high-quality local products.
History
For those passionate about history, Rialto offers many interesting insights. The toponym seems to derive from the name 'Riatu' or even from 'Rialtus,' meaning a stream that originates from the top, referring to the Pora stream that flows there.
The territory was a fiefdom of the Del Carretto marquises, belonging to the Finale marquisate. Throughout history, it has been under Spanish domination, the Holy Roman Empire, the Republic of Genoa, Napoleon Bonaparte's France, and finally, the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Kingdom of Italy.
Rialto was not immune to wars; during the First World War, 72 Rialto soldiers went to the front. During the Second World War, Rialto suffered roundups by German and fascist soldiers due to partisan movements in the area.
What to see in Rialto
In addition to the beauty of the landscape, Rialto also offers some monuments of great historical and cultural interest. Among these, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, founded in the fifteenth century, and the Tower of Rialto, an ancient watchtower built to protect the territory from enemy raids.
Furthermore, Rialto offers numerous hiking trails that will allow you to fully enjoy the unspoiled nature of the area. You can take a walk through vineyards and olive groves, or tackle more challenging routes on foot or by mountain bike to discover all the secrets of the area.
Events and traditions
For visitors who love to immerse themselves in local traditions, Rialto offers the Feast of San Giovanni Battista, which is celebrated on June 24th. On this occasion, the town comes alive with colors and flavors, with a religious procession, music, and dances. During the summer period, moreover, numerous food and wine events take place to let you taste the typical products of the area.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Rialto is a town that deserves to be discovered. Not only for its scenic beauty amidst olive groves, vineyards, and woods, but also for its history and its food and wine culture. If you are nature and adventure lovers, this could be the right place for you. Come and visit us, and you will discover a corner of Liguria that will leave an indelible mark in your heart!
