Via Julia Augusta – Monte Bignone, from Alassio to Albenga

The Via Julia Augusta was built between 13-12 BC as a link between Rome and southern Gaul at the behest of Emperor Octavian Augustus. Until the early 19th century, with the inauguration of today’s Via Aurelia, it remained the main land route to cross the Ligurian west. Of the historic Consular Way, the one between Alassio and Albenga is certainly one of the most interesting stretches from an archaeological point of view. Here, in some places, we can still see and follow parts of the original pavement, which is really well preserved.

On the route, according to the custom of the time, funerary monuments stood, sometimes particularly impressive. The feeling is really that of walking through a real “open-air museum.”

From the first excavations in the 1930s until today, 9 buildings have been unearthed: a columbarium and funerary enclosures, but it is thought that there were many more buildings. Next to each monument we find explanatory signs of the ruins, with reconstructions of their original appearance.

The walk can be taken in two directions (Alassio – Albenga or Albenga – Alassio). You may decide to extend the walk with the “Wave Trail,” a half-hike trail that overlooks the Via Julia Augusta itself. In fact, the two paths meet and form a panoramic loop that reaches Mount Bignone (520 m), with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Alassio and Gallinara Island.