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How to get there: You can exit at Vado (Highway A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia) and continue along the Via Aurelia for about two kilometers.
Those who quickly travel along the coastal road after passing Savona may not think that Vado has nothing more to offer then a large electrical plant that has giant white and red smokestacks that capture the attention of those traveling along the highway. But this cold scenery turns into a precious canvas when one discovers it true historical, artistic, and cultural patrimony that the town offers.
The large Roman center of Vada Sabatia developed in the 2nd century B.C. and it soon became a flourishing maritime and land center. The port is naturally secure and the strategic defensive “castrum” created a fortune for the large settlement. Money, tombs, and ruins of buildings were found, which was confirmed by famous Latin authors.
A late Medieval tower and a few ruins of the castle walls highlight the function of the structures, which were important for trading through the roads of Roman origins that united Tortona, the ancient Derthona, Ventimiglia, and Frnace. The Queirolo Archeological Civic Museum has marbles, glass, and ceramics that were all found on the territory. Very interesting and mysterious is the “Fossa du re,” which is a monumental tomb that was carved into the rock and it is said to be a fantastic legend. In the historical center near the Palazzo Comunale there is the Parish Church of St. Giovanni Battista that dates back to the 17th century. Nostra Signora della Visitazione is a gracious church that was built on the ruins of a 17th century coenoby. Very unique are the beautiful chapels scattered about the surrounding hills.
The culture of Vado has appraised the artistic patrimony of the greatest masters of sculptures and paintings of the 50’s and 60’s. Today Villa Groppallo is a rich safe of the best works of art of the Premio Vado. Very interesting is the monument dedicated to soldiers that was created by the genius Arturo Martini. Its farming culture can be seen in the Ca’ Celsia of the Valley while the Ornithological Museum has embalmed species of the local fauna. Today, the contrast between the port and the industrial and the coastal strip and the hinterland of the Segno Valley and Quilano are very profound. Here ancient traces of the territories organization can be admired that are recognizable in the traditional agricultural landscape located on the magical crests of the hills.
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