Noli is a coast comune of Liguria, Italy, in the Province of Savona, it is about 50 km southwest of Genoa by rail, about 4 m above sea-level. The origin of the name may come from Neapolis, meaning "new city" in Greek. It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy"). From 1192 to 1797 Noli was one of the maritime republics, the Republic of Noli.

Geography

The bounding communes of Noli are Finale Ligure, Spotorno and Vezzi Portio.

History

The name Noli, testified in the form Naboli in the oldest documents (between 1004 and 1005), certainly derives from a form of Neapolis which means "new city" in Byzantine Greek (same etymology as for Naples). It may be mentioned as Neapolis by 7th century geographer George of Cyprus. The Republic of Noli was an independent republic from 1193 until 1797. In 1239 it became seat of a bishop; later on the diocese was united with that of Savona as the Diocese of Savona-Noli. The Napoleonic invasion in 1797 put an end to Noli's sovereignty.

Main sights

Twin towns — sister cities

Noli is twinned with:

Personalities