Liguria

Liguria is a coastal region of northwestern Italy along the Ligurian Sea. It is bordered to the north by Piedmont, to the east by Tuscany, and to the west by France. The landscape is a narrow coastal strip backed by the Ligurian Apennines, yielding a rugged coastline with cliffs, bays, and terraced hills. The Cinque Terre is a well-known coastal ensemble in the region.

Its capital and largest city is Genoa. The region has four provinces: Genoa, Imperia, Savona, and La Spezia. Other notable towns include Sanremo, Alassio, and Lerici. The economy blends port activities, tourism, and small-scale industry.

Tourism is a major economic driver along the coast and in historic towns. Genoa hosts one of Italy's largest ports. Agriculture includes olives, citrus, and vineyards; wines such as Vermentino and Rossese are produced, and pesto Genovese is associated with the city.

Cultural heritage reflects maritime traditions and Ligurian cuisine. The Cinque Terre, a string of five villages along the coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist draw.

Historically, Liguria was home to the ancient Ligurians and later came under Genoese influence. It became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and joined unified Italy in the 19th century. Today the region is known for its coastline, culture, and maritime economy.