History
Finale Ligure is brimming with history. The drawings in the world famous caves around Finale Ligure prove the existence of civilization in the area as early as the Neolithic age. The first document citing the town dates back to 926 AD.The Romans called the town “Ad Fines” meaning on the border, which was the source for the current name Finale, as it marked the boundary between two of the main Ligurian tribes the “Sabatii” in the east, and the “Intemelii” in the west. Furthermore Finale was located at the intersection of two trade routes called the Via Aurelia and the Via Julia Augusta. The Romans left their mark on the town, which still can be seen in many architectural details today.
The Marquis of Carretto took possession of Finale in 1142. Together with Savona, Finale Ligure formed the second capital of their reign at the time. Gaining more power and by taking over the neighbouring fiefs, Finale Ligure caused the relationship to Genoa to become more hostile. After 200 years of dispute, a war ensued in 1447 which Genoa won after a year.
Carretto had his residence in Finalborgo (one of Finale’s quarters), which was almost completely destroyed by Genoan troops. Following this, Finalborgo was completely rebuilt and even today almost all of its churches, city gates, defence walls and streets from the 15th century have all been well maintained. A few of the sights include “Castel Gavone”, the former seat of the Carretto Marquis, “Castello Vuillermin”, a castle dating from the early 20th century, and the Church of “Santa Maria di Pia”. Finalborgo was recognized for being Italy’s most beautiful historic town in 2008.
In 1602 after the death of the last Carretto the town was taken over by the Spanish. Following this it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815 and finally became part of Italy in 1861. At that time the Finale area was divided into seven small “comuni”, only three of which survived after taking over neighbouring communes. Finally these townships unified in the commune of Finale Ligure in 1927.