Liguria Region
An Italian region in north-western Europe, Liguria stretches along the Ligurian Sea coast and into the Alpine and Apennine hinterland, with Genoa as its capital and administrative centre.
At a glance
Liguria occupies a distinctive position in northern Italy, bordered by France to the west, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna to the north, Tuscany to the south-east, and the Mediterranean to the south. The region encompasses 234 municipalities across four administrative divisions: the Metropolitan City of Genoa, and the Provinces of Imperia, Savona, and La Spezia. Despite common perception of Liguria as merely a coastal strip, approximately 28 per cent of its territory belongs to the Po Basin north of the Alpine-Apennine watershed.
History
The region’s name derives from the ancient Ligurian population, though historical Liguria extended far beyond present boundaries, encompassing parts of modern Piedmont, Lombardy, and beyond. The current administrative borders, defined in 1923, largely align with those of the historic Republic of Genoa. Until 1860, Liguria included the Province of Nizza Marittima; following the Treaty of Turin on 24 March 1860, this territory was ceded to France, while Sanremo and Porto Maurizio joined the Kingdom of Italy. Since 1815, Liguria had been part of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
What you see
The landscape divides into the Riviera di Ponente (west of Genoa) and Riviera di Levante (east of Genoa), both characterised by dramatic coastal topography. The region stretches from the historical border with France at Rio San Luigi near Grimaldi di Ventimiglia eastward to the Magra valley near Sarzana and Aulla. Beyond the coast lies substantial mountainous and hilly terrain, including portions of the Po tributary basin and the maritime hinterland integral to Liguria’s geography and economy.
Cultural significance
Liguria is part of the Alps-Mediterranean Euroregion, reflecting its position as a bridge between Alpine and Mediterranean Europe. Genoa’s historical importance as a maritime republic shaped the region’s character and borders. The territory preserves evidence of complex historical sovereignty, with disputed valleys and territories revealing centuries of negotiation between the Republic of Genoa, French Provence, and the Duchy of Savoy.
Key facts
- Address: Via Fieschi 15, 16121 Genova, Italy
- Coordinates: 44.4165639, 8.9218284
- Phone: 010 54851
- Website: https://www.regione.liguria.it/
- Administrative divisions: 1 Metropolitan City (Genoa), 3 Provinces (Imperia, Savona, La Spezia)
- Total municipalities: 234
Practical information
The regional government office is located in Genoa. For official information about governance, administrative services, and regional initiatives, contact the administrative headquarters or consult the official website.
Getting there
Genoa is accessible by air, rail, and road from throughout Italy and Europe. The region’s Mediterranean coast and Alpine hinterland are served by highways and local transport networks connecting all four administrative provinces.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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