Luni: Montemarcello

Built around the remains of the Roman colony of Luna near the Magra River, Luni grew into a Ligurian municipality still defined by its ancient past. Founded in 177 BC, Luna became an important port for marble quarried in the nearby Apuan Alps; its harbour was later filled by sediment as the coastline changed. The archaeological area and museum preserve traces of the Roman street grid, forum and amphitheatre, recalling a town that once stood on the Tyrrhenian shore. Near the Tuscan border, Luni sits between the coast and the inland marble country. Discover other points of interest through webcams located across Liguria.

Liguria is best known within Italy for the Cinque Terre, five historic coastal villages set above the Ligurian Sea. This narrow north-western region runs between the sea and the Ligurian Alps and Apennines, giving it a densely settled coastline, steep terraces and compact inland valleys. Genoa, its capital, developed as one of the Mediterranean’s great maritime powers; its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is also closely associated with pesto alla Genovese, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Liguria.

Among the countries of southern Europe, Italy stands out for its Mediterranean coastline and cities marked by the legacy of ancient Rome. The Alps form its northern frontier, while the Apennines run down the peninsula and the Po crosses the broad plain of the north. Rome’s Colosseum and Roman Forum recall the ancient empire; Florence is closely associated with the Renaissance, and Venice is built across a lagoon on the Adriatic. Food changes markedly between regions, from olive-oil cooking in the south to rice dishes in the Po Valley. Sicily and Sardinia add distinct island identities to a country whose regions retain strong local character. Explore nearby webcam locations that provide complementary perspectives on Italy’s coasts, cities and mountains.