La Liguria
Embraced by sea and mountains, Liguria is a land where the natural landscape gives this region a really unique ruggedness and color palette. Genoa is the region's principal city and located as it is at its midpoint, it divides the region into two distinct Rivieras.
West of Genoa, is the so-called Riviera dei Fiori, with a mild climate and luscious sub-tropical vegetation. Flower cultures are well known around the world: in fact, each year, for the famous New Year's Concert, Vienna's Philharmonic Concert Hall is embellished exclusively with flowers grown in Liguria. Bordighera, San Remo, Diano, Alassio, Albisola are only a few of the charming small cities nestled along its natural bays, with gorgeous sandy beaches warmed by a mild sea and screened from the cold north winds by the Appennine Alps.
To the East of Genoa, along the Riviera di Levante, steep cliffs climb right out of the sea. The sight of craggy cliffs diving into a deep blue sea in a dazzling clash of colors in some locations is absolutely breathtaking. French writer Montesquieu wrote in his 1728 book A trip to Italy, ³The port of La Spezia, that is its gulf, is one of the most beautiful sights in Italy².
Along this Riviera are resorts that are known around the world. Some of these sites are too exclusive for the average tourist. Portofino, or as the Romans called it Portus Delphini, is one of them. This quaint resort's characteristics are truly timeless. Further along the Riviera in San Fruttuoso di Camogli, reachable only by sea, the air carries the scent of a million flowers and everything seems motionless and unvarying.
Sestri Levante is perched along an isthmus connecting an island to the mainland and its beaches known as Bay of Fables and Bay of Silence have attracted famous people like Lord Byron, Goethe, Wagner. At the top of the island is the small Torretta (tower) from where Guglielmo Marconi did his experiments. And then there are the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Cornelia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
These five pure gems embed this splendid land of Liguria: small houses appear to be hugging one another in an embrace. At times, they surround a small castle, protected by walls, surrounded by vineyards and touched by the sea. (Incidently, the world famous Sciacchetra wine is produced in this section of Liguria). Today, the Cinque Terre attract thousands of tourists that are fascinated by the scenery, by the clear waters, by the uncontaminated seabed, but also by the local cuisine rich in genuine flavors.
This is where the products of the sea are united with those of the earth to satisfy the most discerning palates. Heirich Heine in 1828 said this about Liguria: "Not far from Genoa and from the cliffs of the Appennine lies the sea. Its blue color glistens through the greenish cliffs and boats here and there seem to sail atop the mountains.
To enjoy this spectacular view at sunset, when the last blades of light duel with the first evening shadows and all colors and shapes are engulfed in an ethereal cloud, you can't help but think you are living in a wonderful land."

Genoa
Genoa is a splendid city situated along the Gulf of Liguria and draws its origin deep back in time. A legend claims that it was founded by Giano, king of the Aborigines who were ancestors to the Romans. More realistically, the name Genova (Italian for Genoa), can be traced to the term Genua which in Celtic means "entry", accurately describing Genoa's role as a principal seaport for the people of northwestern Italy. The history of Genoa mirrored that of the people of Liguria in general up until the second century B.C. A fight for dominance in the region broke out between Genoa and Rome and lasted for nearly 120 years, with fortunes shifting back and forth. Finally in the year 7 B.C., Rome prevailed. Despite the defeat, Rome's influence spurred the growth of Genoa which in time became the foremost maritime and commercial center of Liguria. Invasions by the Romans and then by Barbarians followed through the centuries. Nonetheless, the city always managed to endure and often even turn the situation to its advantage. Genoa gave its contribution to the Crusades, opening new horizons to trade and extending its dominion along the coastlines. By the year 1200, Genoa approached its maximum splendor and came to be referred to as "The Superb" for its stunning palaces, with their polished marble and stunning views. Of all this, Sigmund Freud would write centuries later: "You can easily recognize Genoa. It is imposing, solid, somewhat stern, clean, wealthy..."

Christopher Columbus
In 1451 Genoa "The Superb" was the birthplace of its most daring citizen, Christopher Columbus, who in 1492 crossed the uncharted Atlantic ocean and landed on the island of San Salvador, commencing the colonization of the Americas by Europe.

Genoa "The Superb" today
Genoa can pride itself in having one of the largest and most historically fascinating city centers in Europe. This is not only the city where Columbus was born. It is also the birthplace of Italy's Renaissance heroes Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Nino Bixio, as well as writer Eugenio Montale and composer Niccolò Paganini. It is today the same proud city that inspired Wagner to write: "There is something indescribably beautiful, grandiose and distinguishing here; Paris and London pale by comparison with this divine city, ranking as plain and shapeless conglomerates of homes and streets". Gustave Flaubert also wrote: "the most beautiful thing I've seen during my voyage was Genoa... a city of marble with gardens brimming with roses. A beauty that tears at the soul... It must be sweet to be in love in these settings." Untamed and gorgeous, Genoa's hills, its tiny paths, its hundreds of remote small squares reveal themselves unexpectedly to tourists. Offering lavish panoramas of patrician villas, enticing coastline and pristine beaches, Genoa is and forever will be "The Superb".