Albenga is an important common on the Gulf of Genoa, in the province of Savona. The town lies in a vast plain and overlooks a wide inlet at the mouth of the Centa river. The economy of this area is mostly based on the production and commerce of agricultural goods, especially wine and oil. But Albenga is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its magnificent sandy beach and its picturesque old town, rich in churches, palaces and medieval towers beautifully preserved .
The city was founded by the Romans with the name of Albingaunum and nowaday still maintains its original urban setting. In the water in front of Albenga shipwrecked in 180 b.C. a great Roman merchant ship that now is preserved, along with its rich load of amphorae, in the Roman Naval Museum. In medieval times it was one of the first free municipalities of Italy, before being subdued by the Republic of Genoa. Despite this domination the city remained a thriving economic and cultural center, as evidenced by its rich historic centre.
The main sights of Albenga are the Cathedral of St. Michael, overlooking the picturesque square of the Lions. The building has Palaeo-Christian origins but has been restructured several times over the centuries. Next to the church there is the Baptistery, that inside retains a magnificent mosaic of the fifth century. In the historic centre are also visible Roman remains, including the amphitheatre and public baths. But Albenga also boasts an equipped beach and a sea with backdrop ideal for scuba diving. Moreover, for those who love nature, the Park of Centa river offers the possibility to practice birdwatching, home as it is to great numbers of sea birds.
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