Page 108 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

106  THE IT ALIAN RIVIER A AREA B Y AREA

The Italian Riviera at a Glance

Liguria may be one of the smallest regions in Italy but it
still has plenty to offer. As well as dramatic landscapes, both
along the coast and in the mountains behind, the region
has a rich cultural history. Genoa, the Ligurian capital, lies
midway along the coast. To the east of the city lies the
Riviera di Levante (which includes La Spezia, a provincial
capital), bordering the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-
Romagna. To the west is the Riviera di Ponente, which
meets the border with France, and has two more provincial
capitals, Savona and Imperia. Liguria’s long, rocky coast
is often superbly picturesque, particularly in the Cinque Albenga (see pp152–5) shelters
within its historic centre some of
Terre and at the headland of Portofino, both on the Riviera the oldest and most significant
di Levante. Punctuating the shores are seaside resorts monuments in the region, such
which are buzzing with life in summer, as well as towns as the cathedral of San Michele
of historic interest such as Albenga and Bordighera. The (above) and the Early
Christian baptistry.
often forested and mountainous hinterland (the so-called
entroterra) is also home to some fascinating medieval
towns, such as Pieve di Teco, Pigna and Dolceacqua.

The town of Cervo (see Torriglia
p157) clings to a peak
and is overlooked by the
lovely parish church of
San Giovanni Battista
(1686–1734). This fine Cairo Genoa
example of Ligurian Montenotte Nervi Varese Ligure
Baroque has a great Varazze Rapallo
concave façade, Camogli
embellished Riviera Di
with stuccoes. Ponente Savona Portofino Chiavari
(See pp134–75) Ligurian Sea Sestri Levante

Levanto
Finale Ligure
La Spezia
Sarzana
Albenga Portovenere Luni
Triora

Cervo

Imperia

San Remo
Ventimiglia
Casinò Municipale (see p168) in San
Remo is an example of the Art Nouveau
style so popular in the heyday of this
wonderful and old-fashioned seaside
resort. San Remo is also known for its
Festival of Italian Song.
Aerial view of the charming seaside village of Vernazza, Cinque Terre

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