Diano Marina

Diano Marina is the beating heart of the Gulf of Diano, a town that preserves the heritage of distant eras and tells stories of the sea, trade, and resilience.Here, the Roman legacy is still visible in the remains of the Mansio Romana of San Bartolomeo, in the tombs discovered beneath the Santuario della Rovere, and in the artefacts preserved at the MARM Civic Museum. Its strategic position along the Via Julia Augusta made Diano an important stop for merchants and travellers heading to Gaul and Spain.In the Middle Ages, the town grew as a centre of trade and fishing, protected by walls and watchtowers against Saracen and Barbary pirate raids. Its bond with the sea has remained unbroken over the centuries.Diano Marina also bears the scars of the devastating 1887 earthquake, which destroyed much of the town. After its reconstruction, it was reborn as a model seaside town on the Ligurian coast, with a new urban layout and an elegant promenade. Its example was so admired that it even inspired the creation of Piriápolis in Uruguay, founded by Francisco Piria as its “twin city” overseas.Discovering Diano Marina means retracing centuries of history, from the traces of ancient Rome to the tales of sailors and fishermen, and the spirit of rebirth after the great challenges of the past. Below is a brief timeline of the main known events in the history of Diano Marina:12th–10th century BCE | Bronze Age First permanent settlement in the area of today’s town center (Piazza Martiri della Libertà).Iron Age | Liguri Ingauni The area is inhabited by the ancient Ligurian tribe of the Ingauni. Beginnings of trade with the Mediterranean.13/12 BCE | Roman Era Foundation of the mansio of Lucus Bormani along the Via Iulia Augusta in San Bartolomeo al Mare.1st century CE | The “Dolia” shipwreck Sinking of a large transport vessel half a mile off the coast of Diano.6th–7th century | Byzantine and Lombard Era Coastal settlements are abandoned for defensive reasons. Founding of the Castrum Diani (modern-day Diano Castello).1050–1199 | Fief of the Clavesana family The hilltop village becomes the political and fortified center of the valley.1199 | Birth of the Communitas Diani Administrative union of nearby villages, with Diano Castello as the capital.1228 | Loyalty to Genoa The Castrum Diani pledges allegiance to the Republic of Genoa, gaining trade privileges.1284 | Battle of Meloria A galley from Diano takes part in Genoa’s naval victory over Pisa.16th century | Expansion of the coastal village Diano Marina grows wealthy from the production and trade of olive oil. Construction of towers and bastions to defend against Barbary pirate raids.1797 | Ligurian Republic Diano Marina becomes an autonomous municipality under the Ligurian Republic.1815 | Kingdom of Sardinia Diano joins the Kingdom of Sardinia after the Congress of Vienna.1860 | Italian Unification Dianese Garibaldians play a key role in Italy’s unification.1872 | The railway arrives The Diano Marina train station opens: the age of tourism begins, boosted by the popularity of Giovanni Ruffini’s bestselling novel Doctor Antonio.1887 | Diano Earthquake An earthquake destroys the town center. Reconstruction is led by engineer Giacomo Pisani.1950s–60s | Tourism boom Diano Marina becomes a popular seaside resort thanks to its mild climate and excellent services.  This guide was created on a non-profit basis by Wepesto APSPhotos, texts, and research byNicola Ferrarese and Corrado AgneseWith the support ofDaniela Gandolfi and Lorenzo Ansaldo