Sailing to Piedmont

A map of the best ports and anchorages

Piedmont’s lakes and rivers

Though landlocked now, Piedmont’s proximity to the sea played a critical role in its early history. The Ligurians, a tribal people who lived in the region long before Roman rule, hiked through the rugged terrain to the coast, engaging in trade with Phoenicians and Greeks.

During the medieval salt trade, this precious commodity was transported via mule caravans along ancient paths between the mountains and the Ligurian sea. This salt route, known as the “Via del Sale,” was essential for preserving food. Even today, the route can be traced through hiking trails, offering a glimpse into the past when Piedmont’s fortunes were tied to the salt pans of Liguria.

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