Liguria, lapped to the south by the Ligurian Sea and bounded to the north by the conjunction between the Alps and the Apennines, is closely linked to rural and maritime traditions, which influence its culture, mentality and cuisine. Liguria can be divided into two parts: Riviera di Ponente and Riviera di Levante. Riviera di Ponente runs from Genoa to Ventimiglia, while Riviera di Levante extends from Genoa to La Spezia. The latter also includes Cinque Terre, one of the most famous and picturesque areas in Italy. Let’s discover 4 curiosities about this beautiful Italian region!

Genovese language

The Ligurian dialect can be considered an actual language which is almost impossible to understand for those who do not know it. Originating in Vulgar Latin, while calling itself the Genovese language, it is spoken throughout the entire region, from La Spezia to the Principality of Monaco, just beyond the border between Italy and France. One of the most illustrious examples of use of the Ligurian language is the song “Crêuza de mä” by famous Genovese singer-songwriter Fabrizio De Andrè, which you can listen to below.

Taggiascan olives

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Taggiascan olives are by far one of Liguria’s best known products. They take their name from the town of Taggia, in the province of Imperia, where they were brought by monks from the island monastery of Lérins Abbey on the French Riviera. These olives ripen late, around January, and have a very high oil content. They accompany many traditional Ligurian dishes, both fish and meat, such as Ligurian rabbit.

Genovese focaccia

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Genovese focaccia, or fügàssa, is a kind of flat bread that is brushed with plenty of Ligurian extra virgin olive oil, water and salt before the final leavening. Ligurians usually eat it for breakfast, dunked in cappuccino, or as an appetiser before lunch, accompanied by a small glass of white wine, known as “o gianchetto”. There are many variations: the most famous are the one with onion which is mixed in with the dough, and the one with olives which are placed on top of the focaccia.

Garibaldi, Montale and others

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Liguria is the birthplace of many important historical figures, artists and writers. Among the most famous are Christopher Columbus who was born in Genoa, Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of the unification of Italy, who was born in Nice when it was still part of Ligurian territory, and Goffredo Mameli, author of the lyrics of the Italian national anthem. Eugenio Montale, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1975, Edmondo de Amicis, author of Cuore (Heart), and famous violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini were all Ligurians.