Italy in Photos

Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo

The Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo in Imperia is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant waterfronts in the city. Located in the district of Oneglia, this elegant promenade stretches along the old port, where colourful buildings face directly onto the sea, creating one of the most iconic views of the Ligurian Riviera. For both locals and visitors, the Calata is more than just a dockside street: it is a lively meeting point, a showcase of maritime heritage, and a stage for the daily rhythms of coastal life.

The area takes its name from Giovanni Battista Cuneo, an important local figure, and stands as a tribute to the civic pride of Imperia. Historically, the port of Oneglia was the beating heart of trade and fishing, central to the town’s economic development. Olive oil, in particular, was exported worldwide from here, reinforcing Imperia’s reputation as one of the key olive oil capitals of Italy. The Calata was the natural backdrop to this activity, where merchants, sailors, and workers animated the waterfront in a bustling blend of commerce and tradition. Today, traces of this past remain visible in the architecture of the warehouses and arcades that line the street.

A walk along Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo offers a vivid impression of Ligurian charm. Tall, narrow houses painted in warm shades of ochre, red, and pink reflect on the water, while arcades at ground level host cafés, trattorias, and shops. The scent of fresh seafood and local cuisine drifts from the restaurants, many of which specialize in dishes rooted in the region’s maritime culture. The combination of history, gastronomy, and vibrant street life makes the Calata a favourite destination both during the day and in the evening, when the waterfront glows with lights reflected in the sea.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Calata remains a working port, home to fishing boats that continue to supply the town’s markets. This coexistence of tradition and leisure is what gives the area its distinctive identity: it is at once authentic and welcoming, rooted in history yet open to contemporary life. Festivals and events are often staged along the Calata, further cementing its role as a social and cultural hub.

For travellers, the Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo represents an essential experience of Imperia. It embodies the character of Liguria—its close ties to the sea, its culinary richness, and its vibrant community spirit. With its unique blend of history and charm, it stands as one of the most evocative waterfronts on the Riviera di Ponente.