Any mention of the Italian Riviera brings to mind romantic visions of brightly colored hillside towns standing at crystal clear water’s edge. Reality will not disappoint the imagination, as a trip to the Ligurian Coast will show. While popular destinations such as Cinque Terre and Portofino often capture the time and hearts of tourists, consider another spot to explore during your visit to the Riviera.Savona, a small town near the top of the Ligurian arch, established itself as an economic and productive port. However don’t let its standing as an industrial center fool you, inland visitors will discover some of the most beautiful art and architecture of the region. Hidden gems can be found inland, best explored on foot. A visit to Savona should begin with a stop at the Fortezza del Priamàr. Built in 1542 by the Genoese and altered many times over the centuries, Savona’s main attraction now houses a major museum complex. Once inside the Fortezza focus your time on the Palazzo della Loggia. Here you’ll discover great examples of military architecture but also a concentration of the Fortezza’s best museums. Located here: Pinacoteca Civica, Civico Museo Storico-Archeologico, Museo d’Arte Sandro Pertini, and Collezione Renata Cuneo. Within these museum walls you will find magnificent examples of Ligurian art, ceramics, Etruscan artifacts, and political history and culture. After the Fortezza, enjoy the port’s hustle and bustle with a visit to the Torre di Leon Pancaldo. This 14th century tower was named for the navigator from Savona who sailed with Magellan. Located on Via Paleocapa (the town’s busiest main street), the tower looks out onto the sea. Decorated with a statue of Madonna of Mercy, the inscription reads in Italian “Amid an angry sea, surrounded by misfortune, we invoke Your name, our benign star”. Most travel to the Ligurian Coast will occur during the summer months. Check out two of Savona’s best beaches. First, Bergeggi Isle is an ideal spot for diving due to its numerous underwater caves. Accessible only by boat or dingy, it is soon to become a national marine protected area. Another beach worthy spot is Torre Beach for its crystal clear freshwater. It is accessible by car with available parking, or by bus, which stops along Via Aurelia near the beach. If the kids are along for the trip check out Grotte di Toirano (Toirano Caves) (Piazzale Grotte, Toirano; Tel #018 298 062; www.toiranogrotte.it). Kids will love exploring the 150 natural caves and their breathtaking features: stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations. A highlight of the tour, be sure not to miss the Grotta della Strega (Witch’s Cave) where you’ll find fossils of the cave’s former dweller, a great bear. Here kids can investigate fossils, claw markings, and prints along with other Stone Age artifacts. A long day of touring will make any traveler hungry. Savona is known for its pasta, therefore be sure to stop by Pastifico Savona (Via Nazario Suaro 14; Tel #019 851 516) for some delicious handmade goods. This artisan pasta shop produces some of Liguria’s best pasta specialties: pansoti, trofie, and ravioli. Try Pastifico’s tasty sauces including walnut, meat sauce, and pesto. If something sweet is what you crave try Amaretti Astengo (Via Montenotte 16/r; Tel #019 820 570). This pastry shop has been in business since 1878. Try something from their fantastic selection of amaretti, pandolce, torta sacripantina, and various chocolate cakes and biscuits. Giovanna Palatucci 06.01.2009
Actress, singer Jennifer Lopez performed at the 2010 Sanremo Festival Saturday. The photo here shows 40-year-old looked stunning as she performed her latest single, What Is Love?, at Italy’s most famous music Festival. As background note, the Ariston Theater hosts the annual Sanremo Music Festival, a very popular song contest held in the city since 1951. This festival inspired the Eurovision Song Contest, which started in 1956, and for years the Sanremo festival selected the Italian entry. The internationally notable song “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu”, also known as “Volare”, was performed at this festival for the first time by Domenico Modugno in 1958. The festival is so popular amongst Italians that it is often referred to simply as “Il Festival” (The Festival).
