History of the Ligurians
Known by the Greeks as the Ligyes, the Ligurians make up a collection of tribes that settled in different areas and experienced various influences from neighboring Greece and West Indo-European Settlers. Some of the many tribes known within this region include the Inguani, Intemelii, Tergestini, Trumplini, Oxybii, Decietae, Apauni, Vienna, Levi, Marisci, Orobi, and Hercates. Together, they settled throughout different parts of the coast, mountainous regions as well as valleys.
The Ligurians are the ancestors of the Sardinians and the Corsicans, some of the Western Mediterranean’s earliest settlers. It is difficult to decipher which DNA type belonged to each of the different tribes listed due to the different groups being located in close proximity. The Ligurians descended from Neolithic or Paleolithic habitats. Later on, they were heavily influenced by the influx of the Celtics as they became more prominent in this region. At the same time, the Greeks and Etruscans may have been in control of the sea. As a result, the Ligurians survived on their sheep and timber, which was later valuable when trading with Italian tribes.
Must Stop Destinations
Italy is in no shortage of beautiful coastlines and an abundance of rich historical hotspots. Because of this, tourists from all around frequent areas like the town of Positano and the Almalfi Coast. In fact, here in Liguria, one can find all the beauty of the south without all of the crowds. High mountains and hills forced early settlers to build cities and significant ports along the sea.
Province of Genoa
First off, the Ligurian Capital of Genoa, known for its history of trade and navigation, is one of Italy’s most important ports. Cobblestoned filled streets showcase various architecture, cafes, museums, as well as incredibly well-kept palaces and churches make up its historic center. Genoa is home to landmark pharmacies and eateries that date back to centuries as old as the 1600s. Here in Genoa, some highlights of this province to visit include:
- Royal Palace Museum
- Aquarium of Genoa
- Galata Museo del Mare
- Lighthouse of Genoa
- Palazzo Bianco
- Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
- Monumental Cemetery of Stagliano
- Palazzo Spinola National Gallery
- Parchi di Nervi
- Carlo Felice Theater
Province of La Spezia
Second, La Spezia, is home to the infamous Cinque Terre. This charming province within Liguria flies under the radar when it comes to heavy foot traffic from tourists. Porto Venere, a UNESCO site, is a must visit site when traveling through La Spezia. Spezia is known for it’s history of hosting famous poets as well as trails and dive sites that will make it worth the commute. Cinque Terre, the collection of seaside villages known for their vibrantly painted homes and beautiful terrain, is by far the most important focal point of La Spezia. Certainly, a traveler’s visit is not complete without seeing the following stops along the way:
- Centro Storico
- Porto Venere
- Cinque Terre
- Castello di San Giorgio
- Gulf of Poets
- Biassa
- Framura
- Levanto
Province of Imperia
Formed in 1923, Mussolini, Maurizio, Oneglia, and several villages include today’s Imperia. The River that runs between Oneglia and Maurizo, Imperia, serves as the inspiration for the Province’s name. For the most part, tourism and the export of flowers and olive oil contribute to this region’s economy. Areas of intrigue and must-see stops include locations:
- Duomo di Oneglia San Giovanni Battista
- Grock Villa
- Porto Oneglia
- Museo dell Olivo
- Porto Maurizio
- Girapasio
Province of Savona
Without a doubt, this region of Liguria has many parks and an abundance of caves to explore. Due to Savona’s mild climate and beautiful villages, this area is an ideal vacation spot all year round. Hills roll and twist into beautiful mountainous terrain, heavily forested and home to peculiar vegetables that grow because of its unique climate. The region of Savona has delectable flatbread cooked with chickpeas in woodfired ovens created in a moment of poverty. Like Genoa, Savona is another major port city, at one time a producer of iron in Italy. However, today, Savona is mostly known as a destination for cruise lines and other commercial boat travel. Some stops to make on the visit there include:
- Saraceni Bay
- Cole del Mollegno
- Monte Beigua
- Toirano
- Finale Ligure
- Albenga
- Alassio
Natural Parks
Cinque Terre
While it may be one of the smallest national parks in Italy, Cinque Terre iattracts travelers from all over the world to witness this UNESCO site. The five villages, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, are protected by the national park label. As a result, the land must be preserved and protected through the means of sustainable tourism to ensure the maintenance of this beautiful landscape. Sentiero Azzurro, known in English as the blue trail, is a 12km pathway that connects all five villages with stunning coastline views along the way.
The park is broken down into restricted reserves where boaters and recreational fishing aren’t allowed. These guidelines are put in place to protect the diversity of vegetation and wildlife that reside in Cinque Terre due to the varying microclimates within the park. Taking the time to soak in the natural beauty of the Cinque Terre is a must, in addition to acquainting oneself with the locals who call this natural wonder their home.
Ligurian Alps
While it may be one of the smallest national parks in Italy, Cinque Terre attracts travelers from all over the world to witness this UNESCO site. The five villages, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, are protected by the national park label. As a result, the land must be preserved and protected through the means of sustainable tourism to ensure the maintenance of this beautiful landscape. Sentiero Azzurro, known in English as the blue trail, is a 12km pathway that connects all five villages with stunning coastline views along the way. The park has restricted reserves where boaters and recreational fishing cannot pass through. Taking the time to soak in the natural beauty of the Cinque Terre is a must, in addition to acquainting oneself with the locals who call this natural wonder their home.
Aveto
The Aveto National Park is rich in stunning mountainous views and untouched pasture reserves. The park contains vast environments, cultivating a wealth of plant life. Here in Aveto, wolves roam this area, and are spotted by visitors from time to time. In addition to wolves, travelers can find olive groves, hazel woods, and chesnut groves all thrive in this area, adding to this part of the country’s unique cuisine.
Bric Lana
Unlike the other parks listed above, Bric Tana is a protected regional park, known for cliff limestone and various caves that reside within the park. Karstic Hydrological networks make up the rock foundation within the Valle dei Tre Re. Few animal species exist in the area. Hikers will have the opportunity to observe the beautiful landscape that resides within this nature preserve.
Antola
Antola National Park is settled between Rapallo and Gênova in the Italian Reviera. Extending across four valleys, At this time, Antola is a protected park known for its vibrant vegetation and endless footpaths available within the park. Established in 1985, the park sits between the south side of the Apennine Watershed and the border of the Piedmont Region. Also known for its plentiful pasture lands and chesnut groves, this park is an interesting area of exploration for those who are into hiking. Plentiful in wildlife, travelers to this park will have the pleasure of witnessing the presence SPF wolves, deer, as well as wide variety of birds that call this area home.
Portofino
The Portofino National Park, creates preservation of the marine wildlife that exist along the Rivera do Levante. The vegetation, similar in pattern to neighboring parks in Liguria, includes hazel groves, olive groves, Chesnut groves, oak groves, many flowering plants, as well as extensive pine forests. The Portofino National Park, has one of the largest concentrations of flowers in Italy. This is a result of the wide variety of microclimates and habitats within this region alone. Many species call this area home, such as various birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
Cuisine
The Ligurian region follows the traditional Mediterranean diet, foods like olive oil, fish, vegetables, wine, pasta, and a fruit serving as the foundation. Italy is famous for its consumption of pasta and olive oil, and every region produces its variety. Liguria’s extra virgin olive oil, in addition to the homemade pesto in pasta dishes, are two notable members of a variety of delicacies. Travellers can find taggiasca olives, flatbreads, and a variety of homemade pasta throughout the different cities and homes that belong to the residents of Liguria.
Dialect
Genoese, a protected minority language having evolved from Latin within Liguria, has an exciting history. Compared to the rest of Italy, Liguria is one of Italy’s smallest regions, yet Genoese has over 300,000 speakers worldwide. Within the Genoese dialect, five variations exist: Olregiogo, Oriental, Genovese, Alpine Ligurian, and Center-Occidental. The dialect has the loss of the r in favor of a drawn-out vowel and the alteration of the letter I into the letter r. This disappearing language was carried around the world through means of trade, and in some cases, is still today in some schools throughout the region and adjacent parts of France. Today, despite its widespread use in prior times, the dialect is commonly known by older generations but is being lost among younger crowds.
Traditions and Festivities
Throughout the year, Liguria hosts a variety of festivals and celebrations for different holidays unique to the region. Palio del Gulfo, taking place on the first Sunday of August, is a traditional boat race where thirteen boats from thirteen different areas of Liguria. Those from around the region, as well as additional visitors gather to watch and also attend the parade that takes place the day before the official race. Later on in the year, La Torta dei Fieschi, taking place on August 14, is a festival celebrating the wedding of Count Opizzo Fiesco and Bianca de’ Bianchi in the town of Lavanga. Here in Lavagna, the parade has music, costumes, and a cake waiting at the end for the guests of the parade. A celebration with joy and lots of laughter, this festival is a must visit for those traveling in Liguria during the summer months.
Within the Ligurian city of Sanremo, the city hosts a parade showcasing fresh flowers called Sanremo in Fiore. Taking place in March around the same time as the Milan- Sanremo cycling race, it has hosted up to 50,000 people in years past and gives thousands of dollars worth of prizes to those with the best prepared floats. In the city of Savona, tourists and devoted Christians gather for their celebration of Good Friday. Run by the six congregations of Savona, the procession starts at the Cathedral with a crucifix, followed by thirteen boxes to symbolize the life of Christ. This festivity moves to the streets through the town, ending at the tower of Savona, with moats and onlookers who have come to marvel at this marvelous gathering.
