The beautiful Italian Riviera beckons once again with a look further east. What began in the province of Imperia moves on to Savona, again in the region of Liguria. As the Riviera snakes deeper into Italy and the border with France disappears, the sensorial changes become more remarkable, more conspicuous.
The diminutive commune of Alassio on the Gulf of Genoa is another Riviera town that many omit. Too hard to pin down on a map perhaps, with a formidable area of 17 square km and a comfortable populace of about 11,000. However, the town is a popular health and spa resort destination in both winter and summer, with a number of great hotels. The Saracen Tower and Church of Saint Ambrose loom large as principal Alassio attractions.
Incredibly, the origins of Albenga are Celtic, further proof of the magnetic Ligurian pull to the tribes of the world not just in modern, but ancient times as well. The town is a great spot. Flush with village charm and Roman ruins that date back to a period of great prosperity, Albenga is more than just a suburb of Genoa. Historical landmarks, from a grand cathedral, municipal towers and the Palazzo Peloso Cipolla, make it worth the effort.
Achingly picturesque, Finale Ligure is one of those finds you instinctively want to tuck away in your pocket and prize in secret. The small town of under 12,000 is famous for pristine beaches and views that look out onto the Gulf of Genoa. In peak season, the seaside and commercial district bustles with life. A boardwalk area is refreshingly charming and lined with cozy restaurants.
Getting around Finale Ligura is facilitated by a division into three sections: the touristy coastal part, commercial town centre and old walled-in medieval section. Together, they make for a lovely respite. As is the case with most of Finale Ligura’s neighbours, Roman and Medieval ruins abound around town. A casual stroll might cause you to bump into any number of them in fact, although some of the best remains are located in the surrounding biodiverse territory known as “Il Finale”. One notable characteristic of Finale Ligure is the sheer number of churches. With enormous architectural and spiritual appeal, construction dates range from the 11th to 18th centuries.
How to expound on such a miniature coastal town? With less than 3,000 people, life in Noli is eerily similar to how it was hundreds of years ago. Despite the small stature, the commune has a wonderful heritage. Ancient in fact, with the 11th century Basilica of San Paragorio the most popular vestige of a bygone era. The church contains many historical artifacts and works of great cultural import. Several other monuments from the 13th to the 15th century make the town of Noli attractive for reasons other than a postcard perfect village and cozy alcove beach.
The seaport capital of the province of Savona on the Riviera di Ponente is a special town and for many years, a principal hub of industry in Italy. Throughout a long and turbulent history, the town of 62,000 inhabitants had to endure much warfare, decay and neglect. As a result, Savona has had many incarnations and rebirths, most recently several decades ago as a tourist destination. Ironically, it’s namely the strife of the past that makes Savona so inviting today.
The Genoese Priamar fortress dates back to 1542 and warrants a visit. Other notable landmarks include the stunning city Cathedral, with a surfeit of different sections, architectural styles from various periods, artifacts and treasures. Do not miss out of course, on Domenico Colombo’s property, father of Christopher, the most famous native son of Savona.
Just 11 km east of Savona is the small commune of Varazze. Original settlement here was an outgrowth of a Roman military installation nearby. Eventually, a town flourished and in a similar vein to other communes on the Italian Riviera, the fight to control Varazze began. Smack between Savona and Genoa, Varazze was the subject of much wrangling between the two. Amazingly, it declared independence in 1227. The story did not end there of course, with many wars and skirmishes to follow, not to mention allegiances. In 1815 Varazze was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia, until the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. So what remains now for tourists? The town itself of course but more specifically, medieval ruins and (shockingly) churches, from the Romanesqu San Nazario e Celso to the spectacular Church of Sant’Ambrogio, that includes a panel by the famous 16th century painter Luca Cambiaso.
If you want to plan a vacation to the Italian Riviera, consider some great hotel rates first.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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