Genoa, Italy


In 61 A.D., Roman poet Marcus Annaeus Lucanus, better known as Lucan, wrote of the Ligures, the first inhabitants of Genoa: “First of the long-haired nations, on whose necks once flowed the auburn locks in pride supreme.”

The ancient Ligures were only the first of many peoples who have occupied the city now known as Genoa. Situated in northwest Italy on the Ligurian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean, Genoa has been a strategic port for millennia, subject to invasion and occupation. The port’s prominence makes Genoa an appropriate birthplace for its most famous mariner, Christopher Columbus.

Genoa, Liguria, ItalyGreeks, Etruscans, Phoenicians and Carthaginians successively dominated Genoa’s harbor until the early 3rd century, when the city became part of the Roman Empire. Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and Lombards occupied the area after the empire’s fall. Genoa’s medieval gates are a rare survivor on the city’s tumultuous beginnings, and also one of Genoa’s most famous landmarks.

In the heart of Genoa stands the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, built by monies earned during the Crusades. Genoa built her own mini-empire as a partner in the Crusades, entering into a fierce rivalry with Venice for dominance over the seas, a rivalry that continued well into the 14th century.

The cathedral’s distinctive horizontal striped façade is another city landmark. For centuries, the Cathedral’s prized possession was the an “emerald chalice,” obtained during the crusades and said to the Holy Grail. An accident later revealed the “emerald” to be green glass. During World War II, Genoa fell under shelling from a British battleship. A shell fell into a nave of the cathedral but did not explode. It remains there to this day.

Genoa is still an important seaport, and in modern times, the commercial aspect of the city led visitors to view Genoa as not much more than a stop along the way to the tourist favorite, Cinque Terre, five popular towns along the Italian Riviera. In 2004, the Italian government poured millions into Genoa for city-wide renovations. An infusion of youthful entrepreneurs followed, opening new cafés and bars.

Porto Antico, the port of Genoa, now features wide promenades along new shops and restaurants. The port boasts one of Europe’s largest aquariums, a biosphere suspended over the harbor and the Galata Maritime Museum. The museum features artifacts that date back to the time of Columbus, as well as a reconstruction of a 17th century galleon. The museum’s rooftop Galata Café offers scenic views of the city and harbor.


The long, varied history of Genoa is reflected by the city’s walls. Portions of the walls date from the 9th century to the 17th century, with fortresses along or near the perimeter. Wandering the streets of Genoa can feel like stepping back into time, with narrow, cobblestone alleyways that make it easy to imagine life during the Middle Ages.

Most attractions in the city can easily be reached on foot. Cabs are also widely available. Genoa’s recently modernized Cristoforo Colombo Airport features non-stop flights to major European cities.

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Levanto, Italy


Situated on the stunning Ligurian coast a bit north of Cinque Terre, Levanto is an attractive area of Italy with unique characteristics and a mild climate. Because of its family-friendly beaches and engaging festivals and events, Levanto is a travel destination almost anyone can enjoy. It is also easily accessible by train, which adds to its appeal for many families. The town is located at the end of a beautiful thickly wooded valley featuring pine and olive trees.

Levanto was Malaspina’s feudal stronghold before passing to the Republic of Genoa in 1229. In Medieval times, the town became a center of commerce, and benefited greatly from maritime communications. The major development of the town began after the Middle Ages with the construction of several commercial buildings, the most interesting of which were built in the 1600s and 1700s. The Corso Roma and Corso Italia, two thoroughfares which were completed in the early 20th century, marked the modernization of Levanto.

Levanto, ItalyLevanto reminds many travelers of an old-fashioned town, and features a city park and village square. Traditional shops can be found in the city, as well as establishments that cater to tourists. Local residents are friendly and helpful, and many of the town’s hotels are modest in size and owned and operated by local families. The town has its own gelato shop where reasonably priced gelato can be purchased seven days a week.

Levanto boasts one of the best surfing beaches in Italy due to its impressive waves. However, many visitors find swimming at the beach just as enjoyable as surfing. Levanto Beach is long and the water is clean, making it a great place to enjoy the day and view an outstanding sunset at night. Each November, world famous surfing events take place at Levanto Beach.

There is a vast array of landmarks and attractions in the town of Levanto and the surrounding area, one of which is an almost perfectly preserved Medieval-era castle that was originally built to defend the village from marauders and foreign armies. The Church of Saint Andrew is a spectacular example of 13th century architecture, with its Gothic facade and magnificent stained glass windows. The Church of Saint Mary of the Coast is another landmark that has survived since the Middle ages. The Gardens of Villa Agnelli were designed in the early 1900s, and this attraction offers visitors and their families a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Here, Levanto’s rich foliage is beautifully showcased on impeccably maintained grounds.


Levanto’s weather is part of the reason it has become a favorite vacation spot for so many individuals. The town features a very mild climate throughout most of the year, where frost is practically non-existent. However, Levanto can experience significant rainfall, especially in the spring, but this creates the lush, healthy foliage that is characteristic of the area. The coldest month in Levanto is January when the average temperature is approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

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La Spezia, Italy


Italy. From the heights of the Alps to the stunning ruins of Rome, there is much to see and enjoy in this beautiful country. One of the loveliest places to visit in Italy is La Spezia. Nestled at the head of the Gulf of Le Spezia in the Liguria region of Italy, it is a quaint and distinctly Italian region. It is a northern city, and is a part of the capital city of Le Spezia. It also sits right between Pisa and Genoa on the Ligurian Sea. As a gateway to the ocean, it is one of the most well known commercial and industrial harbors in Italy. As well as hosting commercial industries in the harbor, it also holds Italy’s biggest military producer, OTO Melara.

La Spezia Harbor, Ligurian Coast, ItalyThe history of La Spezia dates back for nearly a millennia. It was settled during Medieval Times, but the height of its popularity and productivity came during the golden age of prosperity for the Roman Empire. It was the capital of the Niccoli Fieschi Signora between the years of 1256 and 1273. Obviously it was a short lived title. It was a part of the Genoese vicissitudes until the fall of the Geneon Empire, after which point it developed and changed into the Ligurian Capital. Today the Ligurian influence can be seen in the architecture and culture of the La Spezia area. During the late half of the 19th century, the military commissioned a naval base to be built under the Savoys. At the end of World War II, La Spezia became an important departure point for Jews who had survived the Nazi concentration camps. Many Jews were able to depart for Palestine from here without being detected.

La Spezia is a large and beautiful Italian province that draws visitors every year. Although it is not as famous as Rome, Almafi or Pisa, there is much to explore in this region. Because of the ancient history, there are many historical sites and sounds to experience when you visit. The climate of La Spezia is typical of a Mediterranean region, with hot, dry summers and springs and rainy falls and winters. Although there is no snow during the winter, sometimes an exception occurs and the village is dusted with a fine layer of white. The chief economic export of the region is their naval station and arsenal and their school of navigation, as well as their industrial and commercial sea ports.


There are many old historical sites to visit. The first and most famous is the Christ the King of Centuries Cathedral. Although not historical – it was consecrated in 1975 – it is an architectural feat and a popular center for worship in the area. The Santa Maria Assunta is an Abbey Church that was erected during the 13th century, thus holding much historical value. There are many museums, ruins and ancient sites of villages and churches in La Spezia, as well. The Castle of San Giorgio was built by Niccolo Fieschi in 1262.

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