Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante: a city on the Riviera di Levante
Sestri Levante is a municipality located on the Riviera di Levante, east of Genoa. The town is located on the peninsula that marks the eastern border of Tigullio and extends between the sea and the hills of the hinterland. The historic center develops between two bays, and a sandy isthmus divides the Bay of Ponente from the smaller and more suggestive Bay of Levante, now known as the "baia del Silenzio." The metropolitan city of Genoa includes Sestri Levante and has a population of 17,382 inhabitants.
Physical geography
Sestri Levante is located on the alluvial plain of the Gromolo River and is nestled between the sea and the hills of the hinterland. The city is separated from the Valle Graveglia by Mount Bianco, which is 876 m high. To the west, there are the Rocche di Sant'Anna, which separate it from the territory of the Municipality of Lavagna. To the east is the fraction of Riva Trigoso, from the promontory of Punta Manara and Monte Castello. Sestri Levante is surrounded by a beautiful view of the Gulf of Tigullio and the surrounding mountains, such as Mount Bomba and Mount Caddio.
History
Like many cities in Liguria, Sestri Levante dates back to the ancient peoples called Ligurians, particularly the Tigulli, from whom the current geographic area called Tigullio takes its name. Originally, the city was made up of an island consisting of the current peninsula, which was only connected to the mainland in modern times by a thin isthmus formed by the deposits of the numerous and periodic alluviums of the Gromolo River and by the constant action of the sea. During the Roman Empire, Sestri Tigulliorum became an important commercial center, thanks to its road connections with the Bracco Pass and the Velva Hill, which allowed exchanges of raw materials with the hinterland of the valleys Val Petronio, Val Graveglia, Val di Vara, and with Lunigiana.
Tourist attractions
Sestri Levante is a popular tourist and seaside destination thanks to its beautiful bays and beaches. The Bay of Fables, known for being the setting of many films, is one of the most famous beaches in the city. The Bay of Levante, known as the baia del Silenzio, is a small inlet that offers a breathtaking view. The historic center of the city is very picturesque and offers many tourist attractions, such as the Church of San Nicolò, the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, and the Fascie-Rossi Palace. In the summer, many cultural events take place, such as the Italian Song Festival and the Summer Carnival.
Food and culture
Ligurian cuisine, and that of Sestri Levante in particular, is known for its simplicity and the use of local ingredients. Among the most famous culinary specialties of the city are the focaccette, ricotta ravioli, and potato gnocchi. Local wines like Pigato or Vermentino are highly prized. The city is very lively from a cultural point of view with numerous associations that promote socioeconomic development.
Conclusions
Sestri Levante is a wonderful Ligurian city that has a lot to offer to tourists and residents. With its extraordinary beaches, history, and local cuisine, it is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday in one of the most suggestive areas of Italy.
