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Salita del Grillo, 17024 Finale Ligure SV, Italy (September 2020)
Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure is one of the most captivating coastal towns in the Liguria region of north-western Italy, situated along the Riviera di Ponente, west of Genoa. This charming destination perfectly combines the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast with the historic allure of medieval villages and the adventurous spirit of outdoor sports. Surrounded by turquoise waters on one side and dramatic limestone cliffs and wooded hills on the other, Finale Ligure has earned an international reputation as a paradise for climbers, cyclists, and beach lovers alike.
The town is composed of several distinct areas, each offering its own unique character. Finale Marina, with its elegant promenade, sandy beaches, and lively cafés, is the social heart of the town. Here, visitors can stroll along palm-lined streets, savour Ligurian cuisine in seaside restaurants, or simply relax and watch the sun set over the Ligurian Sea. Just inland lies Finalborgo, a beautifully preserved medieval village that feels like a journey back in time. Enclosed by ancient walls, Finalborgo’s narrow cobblestone streets, stone archways, and charming piazzas are home to art galleries, craft shops, and family-run trattorias. The village has been recognized as one of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia,” a list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, thanks to its historic architecture and serene atmosphere.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Finale Ligure is a destination for adventure seekers. The surrounding hills and cliffs form one of Europe’s best climbing areas, with hundreds of routes suitable for all skill levels. Mountain bikers from around the world visit Finale Ligure for its extensive network of trails that wind through forests and offer breath-taking sea views. Hiking enthusiasts can explore paths that connect ancient villages, hilltop sanctuaries, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the coast. Water sports such as kayaking, diving, and sailing are also popular, thanks to the clear and calm waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Culturally, Finale Ligure reflects the traditional rhythm of Ligurian life while embracing modern tourism. Festivals, open-air concerts, and local markets fill the calendar throughout the year, celebrating both the region’s heritage and its vibrant community spirit. Whether you come for its beaches, its cliffs, or its history, Finale Ligure offers a rare combination of relaxation, adventure, and authenticity. It is a place where the sea meets the mountains, and where every corner reveals a story worth discovering.
Worth a Visit
The Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista, nestled in the coastal district of Finale Marina in Finale Ligure, stands as a magnificent embodiment of Ligurian Baroque artistry and spiritual heritage. Construction began in 1619 to replace a declining medieval parish and remained a monumental community endeavour, finally concluding in 1674 and consecrated in 1675. Though once misattributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, later scholarly research vindicated the talents of local craftsmen following Neapolitan Baroque influences. In 1762, the Baroque façade was enhanced by architect Nicola Barella, also responsible for the elegant 24-meter dome completed in 1780 with the help of Genoese artists Simone Cantoni and Emanuele Andrea Tagliafichi. Sculptor Bartolomeo Bagutti contributed statues of Saint John the Baptist, Saints Peter and Paul, as well as allegories of Hope and Faith, enriching the façade with rich symbolic artistry.
Located in the historic heart of Ferrara, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, today officially Piazza della Repubblica, erves as a living chronicle of the city’s evolving architectural and civic identity. Originally the site of the ducal macelleria (meat market), this space transitioned into a public square at the close of the 19th century, reflecting Ferrara’s gradual shift from commerce to communal gathering. In 1927, the square gained its previous name when the statue of King Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first monarch, was relocated here from the Cathedral Square. This monument brought a renewed sense of national pride to the area, transforming its ambiance.
Standing proudly in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in Finale Marina, the Arco di Margherita di Spagna (Arch of Margaret of Spain) is one of Finale Ligure’s most recognisable landmarks and a striking relic of its Baroque past. Erected in 1666, the arch was commissioned to commemorate the passage of Infanta Margaret Theresa of Spain, daughter of King Philip IV, through the town on her journey to Vienna to marry Emperor Leopold I of Austria. This politically significant marriage symbolised the union between two great European dynasties, the Habsburgs of Austria and the Spanish branch of the same house At the time, Finale Ligure was part of the Marquisate of Finale, under Spanish rule. The Governor, Diego Alvarado, ordered the construction of the arch to both honour the royal bride and underscore Spain’s presence and prestige in the region
Photo Gallery of Walk – Salita del Grilloto Piazza Cavour
Approximately 1.24 km – 0.77 miles
The walk starts in Salita del Grillo – Via Torino – Via Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Via Avvocato Emanuele Rossi – San Giovanni Battista – Via Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Via Avvocato Emanuele Rossi – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi – Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – Via Concezione – Lungomare Augusto Migliorini – Via S. Pietro – Vico Tubino – Via Cristoforo Colombo – Via Aurelia – Piazza Cavour – Lungomare Augusto Migliorini – Piazza Cavour
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