Latte
Welcome to Latte: the story of a Ligurian village
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Latte, a village in the municipality of Ventimiglia, in the province of Imperia. Latte, formerly known as San Bartolomeo, is located on the state road 1 Via Aurelia, towards the French border, near the mouth of the Rio Ruasso.
History
Latte has a history that dates back to ancient times. Thanks to the mild climate and the pleasant territory, it was the site of splendid noble villas. Already in 56 AD a villa was built there by Giulia Procilla, mother of Gneo Giulio Agricola, Questore in Asia and Proconsul of Britannia. The villa was the scene of the murder of Giulia Procilla, assassinated by the Othonians fighting against Vitellius in 69 AD.
In 1328, some flocks of Tenda and Briga Marittima shepherds erected a chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, almost on the beach. The chapel was used to overwinter the flocks driven through the Bevera Valley, but above all their spouses came on a pilgrimage there while they waited for childbirth. In 1677 the chapel was renovated by Canon Roberto Galleani. In 1922, during an imposing storm surge, the chapel was swept away.
From the 16th century onwards, the Ventimigliesi nobles have frequented the village of Latte to spend their summer holidays. In 1567 Carlo Grimaldi, diocese of Ventimiglia-San Remo, enlarged the bishop's table with the purchase of land in Latte, where he built a fortified tower. In the 18th century, the Latte estates were known to be the habitat of "Bignata", a quality of Citrus limon with smooth, fine and deliciously tasting fruits, which were exported throughout Europe, shipping them from the port of Menton.
When citrus production was no longer feasible due to frost, in 1881, in his Latte farm, Marshal Antonio Carcassola di Gallarate introduced floriculture, producing roses and dianthus. In March 1912, work began to build the large "Refuge for the Elderly," on the vast Chiappori property.
The village of Latte today
Today, Latte is a highly sought after tourist area, thanks to its beautiful beaches and its strategic location, just a few kilometers from the French Riviera.
The village boasts a series of 18th and 19th-century buildings that testify to the beauty of the area and the importance of the Ventimigliesi nobles. Among the most important buildings in Latte, there are the chapel of Saint Anne, the noble villas of Ca 'Bianca, and Villa Fontana, and the fortified tower.
Although the beauty of the village, Latte is not just a holiday destination but also an area where residents can find everything they need for their daily lives, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and schools.
What to see in Latte
In Latte, there are several tourist and cultural attractions to visit. The chapel of Saint Anne, now destroyed, remains an important testimony to the history of the area. The fortified tower, on the other hand, represents one of the main historical buildings in the village and is used as a vacation spot for the bishop.
Among the most important noble villas, there is Villa Fontana, with an Italian classical style façade, characterized by a monumental terracotta staircase, overlooking the main square.
Latte also has an equipped beach, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the sea. The beach is located right in front of the church of St. Anne and is free to access. Nearby, there are also some local places where you can taste the typical Ligurian cuisine.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Latte is a village in the municipality of Ventimiglia with a thousand-year history and natural and cultural beauties to discover. The beauty of the territory and the value of the historical buildings make Latte a very interesting and pleasant place to visit. All that remains is to pack your bags and discover this wonderful Ligurian village!
