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Salita del Grillo, 17024 Finale Ligure SV, Italy (September 2020)
Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure is a captivating coastal town in the Liguria region of north-western Italy, where the mountains meet the sea in a dramatic and beautiful embrace. Located along the Riviera di Ponente, it offers a distinctive blend of natural landscapes, historic depth, and Mediterranean charm. With its mild climate, sunlit beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Finale Ligure has long attracted travellers seeking both relaxation and discovery.
The town is composed of several distinct areas, each with its own character. Finale Marina is the lively seaside heart, known for its sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades, and vibrant cafes overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Just inland lies Finalborgo, a beautifully preserved medieval village enclosed by ancient walls. Recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful historic towns, Finalborgo enchants visitors with its narrow stone streets, small piazzas, and centuries-old buildings that speak quietly of the region’s past. Between these areas and the surrounding hills, the town reveals layers of history shaped by Roman settlements, medieval trade, and noble families.
Nature plays a central role in Finale Ligure’s identity. Limestone cliffs, caves, and forested trails rise sharply behind the town, creating a landscape that is as striking as it is diverse. This unique geography has made the area internationally renowned for outdoor activities, particularly hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Trails wind through olive groves and along panoramic ridges, offering sweeping views of the coastline and the deep blue sea below. At the same time, the beaches provide a calm counterpoint, where clear waters and gentle waves invite swimming and leisurely afternoons.
Cultural life in Finale Ligure is shaped by Ligurian traditions and a strong connection to the land and sea. Local cuisine reflects this balance, featuring fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, olive oil, and simple yet flavourful dishes. Small bakeries, family-run trattorias, and open-air markets give visitors an authentic taste of daily life. Festivals and events throughout the year celebrate local history, food, and craftsmanship, adding to the town’s welcoming and communal atmosphere.
Despite its popularity, Finale Ligure has managed to preserve a sense of authenticity. Life moves at a comfortable pace, guided by the rhythms of the seasons and the sea. Mornings are often quiet, with fishermen tending their boats and locals enjoying coffee in sunlit squares, while evenings bring soft light, conversation, and the sound of waves along the shore.
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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