Italy is a collection of 20 distinct regions, each functioning like a small country with its own dialect, culinary traditions, and history. The Story of Liguria: The Land of the Five Lands

: The region’s survival story is also told through its food. In its capital, Genoa , the world-famous pesto alla Genovese was born, using the fragrant basil that thrives in the salty sea air. Share Your Italian Story: “Italy Chose Me”

: This rugged, colorful coast is the setting for the story of Portorosso , the fictional village in the film Luca . While Portorosso isn't real, it was directly inspired by the real-life charm of Cinque Terre , where colorful houses cling to cliffs and life revolves around the sea.