The “Rock Villages” of Western Liguria Part Three [411]
Apricale, one of the Western Riviera’s celebrated “Rock Villages,” has been around since the Bronze Age. Its Latin name (Apricus) means “sun-washed,” and, as you find out in warm weather, is all too apt. Some of the buildings in Apricale are 9th century, probably, but documents only go back to 1016. So, to be fair, villagers humbly look forward to celebrating a 1,000th anniversary soon.
Enchanted Liguria: Snow and Sea and Sun in February [412]
The Italian Riviera is not known for its ski resorts and subzero temperatures. This year is the exception: the coldest, snowiest, iciest weather in more than a generation. As I write it is about 6 degrees below zero.
Map of Liguria Italy Provinces and Cities [10631]
A map and travel guide to Liguria, showing the popular places to go on the Italian Riviera, from Genoa to the Cinque Terre.
Wines of the Cinque Terre [2293]
Winemaking has been one of the Cinque Terre’s main industries since Antiquity. About 650 years ago the effusive Italian poet Petrarch described the district’s “vineyards illuminated by the sun’s benevolent eye and much loved by Bacchus.”
Genoa’s Port and Medieval Alleys [11903]
Genoa was made to be seen from the Mediterranean and entered by sea. The best way to arrive is to take a ferry boat ride from the harbor or arrive by cruise ship. The second best way is to walk from Porto Antico—the old harbor—to the end of the piers or the Lanterna, a lighthouse that’s about 800 years old.
Look back at old Genoa and be amazed.
La Spezia Province Map [3560]
In many ways, La Spezia province is the most compelling of Liguria’s four provinces. Here you’ll find the vaunted villages of Le Cinque Terre (shown in red on the map), the romantic Gulf of Poets, and one of my favorite haunts, the Bocca di Magra, the mouth of the Magra river as it empties into the Ligurian Sea near the marble mountains behind Massa and Carrara.
Hi James:
You also know you’re in Liguria when you get pesto sauce and not pomodoro.
— Joe Palisi · Sep 22, 02:49 PM · #