LIGURIA, Italy

REGIONAL CAPITAL: Genova
PROVINCIAL CAPITALS : Savona, Imperia, La Spezia
OTHER INTERESTING PLACES: Camogli, Portofino, Rapallo, Le Cinque Terre, Cervo, San Remo

TERRITORY:
This region covers the Tyrrhenian slopes of the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines, foming a great arch around the Gulf of Genova. Liguria is wholly mountainous or hilly and one of the region’s charms is certainly the close encounter of mountain and sea. Stretching from the French border in the west to La Spezia in the east, the coast is dotted with resorts and medieval towns, while in the interland there are hilltop villages. Genova, one time sea power, is an important port and much-overlooked attraction in its own right.

PLACES TO SEE:
Genova: Piazza de ‘ Ferrari with the Teatro Carlo Felice; Palazzo Ducale; Palazzo della Borsa; the medieval Torre Grimaldina; Cattedrale di San Lorenzo; Porta Soprana and Colombo’s birthplace; Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco; Palazzo Doria Tursi; Palazzo del Podestà; in The Old City: via San Luca, via Orefici, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Spinola, Chiesa di San Donato; the Ancient Port and the Acquarium; Porta siberia ;the city walls.
Le Cinque Terre (the Five Lands): Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
La Spezia: Museo Amedeo Lia; Museo del Sigillo; Castello di San Giorgio.
San Remo:Chiesa Russa Ortodossa; Palazzo Borea d’Olimo; La Pigna: the old part of the town; Villa Ormond; Villa Nobel.

REGIONAL CUISINES:
Among the region’s culinary creations are pesto,a sauce of fresh basil, garlic, parmsan cheese and pine nuts; focaccia, flat bread; farinata, made with chickpea flour; torta pasqualina made with spinach, ricotta cheese and eggs;pansotti, spinach ravioli with a thick creamy hazelnut sauce; sciacchetrà, a delicious and rare dessert wine.

TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES:
Genova is one of the four historical maritime cities that race each other in the Palio delle Quattro Antiche Repubbliche Marinare. The hosting of the event rotates among the rivals.

Liguria, Italy - map