Discover Soldano: History, Wine and Circular Trails

Soldano combines a history as a fortified village with sacred art, the Rossese grape, wine and trails leading to a ridge above the Val Nervia.

Holiday apartment in Soldano amid village history and wine

The town’s history begins with its character as a fortified village: Soldano is said to have been founded between the 11th and 12th centuries by inhabitants of Ventimiglia who fled inland from Saracen incursions. The historic centre was laid out between the Verbone stream and the Rio Fulavin; both waterways formed a moat around the houses. The historic access routes to the fortified village were also protected by large gates and defensive systems. These included openings through which oil or boiling water could be poured onto attackers. Soldano also formed, together with seven other places, the Magnifica Comunità degli Otto Luoghi, which remained autonomous and independent until 1797.

Churches, chapels and works of art

For culture-focused days, Soldano offers several clearly distinct sacred themes. The Oratorio dei Disciplinati is a 15th-century oratory dedicated to San Giovanni Evangelista. Of the six votive chapels in Soldano, four were restored in 2006. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista is designed in the Baroque style; it houses a polyptych by Andrea Della Cella. The Chiesa di San Mauro probably dates from the 15th century and stands on the left bank of the Verbone stream between the settlements of Mùrin and Culareu. In 1642, it was furnished with a large painting of the Madonna della Neve with San Carlo and San Mauro abate; the painting is still above the altar today.

A distinctive feature is the Piazzetta del Rossese. It is decorated with a depiction of four leaves of the Rossese grapevine. A path along the Rio Fulavin connects the Piazzetta del Rossese with the Giardini dell’Amicizia. Thus, vine imagery, waterways and a specific path connection come together at this site, while the churches and chapels form another cultural focus.

Wine experiences with advance planning

Wine enthusiasts can also plan their stay around specific experiences. In Soldano, Ka*Manciné offers guided tours of its wine cellars by prior reservation. Tenuta Anfosso welcomes visitors exclusively by prior appointment. The historic wine-growing tradition also includes the Poggio Pini vineyard of Tenuta Anfosso, which was replanted in 1888. If you choose a holiday apartment or holiday home in Soldano, you can therefore decide in advance whether the main focus of your trip should be local history, sacred art, wine or outdoor activities.

Circular trails across the valley and ridge

The Anello Nomeranze di Soldano circular trail reaches a ridge offering views across the Val Nervia and towards the mountains along the French border. The Anello dei Santuari circular trail leads from a car park behind Soldano along an old mule track to the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine. Alternatively, there is a short asphalt route with a moderate incline. The differently described routes help you compare the options according to your preferred type of path and how you wish to structure your day, without losing sight of the town’s cultural destinations.

More places to discover

More places to discover: Bajardo, Camporosso, Vallebona, Pieve Di Teco, San Bartolomeo Al Mare, Castellaro, Moltedo and Bordighera.

For the main travel overview: Imperia.