The Scibretta, the monumental tree that is the symbol of Bordighera
A monument created by nature itself
Where is
What it is and where it is
In the "Queen of Palms" city, it is a Ficus macrophylla that acquires the status of absolute ruler: the Scibretta. The imposing monumental tree, with its dense branching and the incredible horizontal development of its branches, gives precisely the image of a majestic crown of leaves in a privileged setting. Most elegant, it stands solitary in the courtyard in front of the municipal palace of Bordighera Alta (Palazzo Garnier), in the heart of the town's historic center.
Why it is special
"So what? After all, it's just a tree!" someone might object, simultaneously belittling both the intrinsic value of such an extraordinary, centuries-old plant and the immense cultural significance it possesses. In fact, we are not only talking about one of the best-known specimens of the Riviera dei Fiori, rightfully included in the national list of "monumental trees," but it is also a fundamental symbol for all Bordigans. The Scibretta thus has the dual purpose of marveling with its imposing beauty and making people realize that not all monuments are man-made.
Not to be missed
Moreover, it has always been a gathering place for the entire community. In fact, the green park that houses the Ficus sovereign next to the town hall and the huge Edmondo de Amicis Square on the Cape esplanade are transformed into the so-called Scibretta Arena. Throughout the summer there are magical outdoor evenings, rock, pop and other kinds of concerts, under the comforting embrace of the branches of the old tree that, with its foliage moved by the wind, seems to dance with us.
A bit of history
The proud and gentle-looking giant has been guarding the heart of the city's historic center for more than a century. In 2017, the deputy mayor, in relaunching an intervention program to save the ruler of trees following a thinning of its foliage, said, "We cherish our wonderful Ficus macrophylla, In addition to being a wonderful plant dear to Bordighera's people, it is an invaluable asset for our tourism: there are dozens, in fact, of people who reach the upper town every day to photograph the tree, one of the most majestic in Bordighera." Today it is well again, ready to reign for another 100 years.
Curiosity
In truth, there is another Ficus macrophylla near it right at the top of Edmondo de Amicis Square, just outside the old town walls. The Scibretta, in fact, is just one of the 93 monumental trees in Liguria that, in 2018, were included in the official national list: 17 in La Spezia, 21 in Imperia, 22 in Genoa, and 33 in Savona. Of the 3 monumental specimens in Bordighera, the oldest is the one in the exotic garden of the Clarence-Bicknell Museum and Library.
The Scibretta, queen of the Ficus and symbol of the city - Ph: Luigiandrea Luppino © Source
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