San Bartolomeo al Mare, Italian comune
San Bartolomeo al Mare is a small commune situated on the Ligurian coast, featuring a long sandy beach with shallow waters and several historic churches. The sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Rovere dates from the 1300s, while the church of San Bartolomeo was built in the late medieval period and contains a marble baptismal font from the 1400s.
The area was inhabited during Roman times, with a rest station called Mansio serving soldiers and horses. In the Middle Ages, the settlement developed further, and by the 1500s, a watchtower was built to defend against pirates attacking from the sea.
The church of San Bartolomeo remains central to community life, hosting religious festivals and gatherings throughout the year. The town functions as a place where traditional customs and seaside leisure blend together in daily routines.
The wide sandy beach is easily accessible and ideal for families and swimmers, with plenty of loungers, umbrellas, and cafes along the shore. A walk on the seaside promenade connects the old town center to nearby villages and offers peaceful spots throughout.
The town sits atop the remains of an ancient sacred forest called Lucus Bormani, dedicated to a water god. A few old oak trees beside the sanctuary are all that remain of this original forest and serve as a quiet reminder of the land's deep past.
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