Andora, presentation of the village

Andora is a village with an ancient history. It is placed the end of the valley having the same name, and between the two capes Capomele (AppleCape), and Mimose. Its weather, like that of the Riviera, is temperate all year round. Winter is very mild, and summer, although sunny and hot, is never stifling or unberable.
Traditionally its foundation dates back to the 8th century BC, when people from Foca (Asia Minor) fled and found shelter here. It passed then under Roman control, during which it was a strategic point, as the Julia Augusta and the Aurelia road (bringing from Rome to Spain and Gaul) intersected it.

Andora seen from Mimose cape

Andora seen from Mimose cape (*)

During the Middle Ages is became part of the Genoa Republic, which brought to five centuries of prosperity. Olive growing, fishing and shipyards flourished. The Genoese garrison protected the inhabitants from the saracenes' and pirats' incursions. Andora passed first under Napoleon's control at the end of the 18th century, and then under the control of Piedmont, until the reunion of Italy in 1860.

Many fine beach resorts can be found. Entrance is always free, and you pay only if you want to rent a beach umbrella or deck chairs. There is also a communal beach. Finally, there is also a park, the Parco Comunale, where in summer festivals are taken (quite popular the one of the "Unita'", of the Labour party, the others include concerts, musical shows etc.).

In the photo at the right you can see the beachfront, along the Via Aurelia.

Andora: beachfront

Andora: beachfront (**)

The village is between the Via Aurelia and the valley. Surprisingly, considering its ancient history, most constructions are rather new. They were built beginning from the 60s, when the village became renowned. There are hence many shops, supermarkets, grocery stores etc. Their number increased with the increasing importance of the yacht tourist port.

In the background you can see the motorway ("Autostrada dei Fiori") bringing from the French Riviere all the way to southern Italy, passing of course along the Liguria region.

Andora: the centre of the village

Andora: the centre of the village (***)

Through the centuries Roman legions, the Popes, Genoa Republic and Napoleonic armies passed through Andora. They did it along a bridge of Roman construction (and ameliorated in medieval times).
Following the Roman road one finds the Church of SS. Giacomo e Filippo (St. James and Philip), also called La Gemma ("the Jem") for its marvelous facade and for the interior with the owesome round stone columns. It was built by the Clavesana Marquis. The Genoese adorned it giving it its present romanic-gothic style.

Church of SS. Giacomo e Filippo.

Church of SS. Giacomo e Filippo (**)

After the village, towards the valley, the typical hinterland Ligurian landscape begins: green hills and valleys (greener than you could imagine), flowers (there are so many species, some growing only here, and this is why it is called Riviera dei Fiori - Flowers Riviere). Perched on the hills, little villages, monuments and churches can be found. There seems to be harmony and beauty everywhere, making it one of the most beautiful and characteristic Mediterranean regions.

Photo (*) is courtesy of Casa delle Cartoline Sanremo, (**) of Rotalfoto Milan, and (***) of Foto Gino.

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