# Albenga > Italian urban comune and city **Wikidata**: [Q241298](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q241298) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albenga) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/albenga ## Summary Albenga is an Italian city and comune located in the Province of Savona in the Liguria region, situated along the Mediterranean coast at coordinates 44.049113888889°N, 8.2130166666667°E. With a population of 23,376 residents as of January 1, 2023, Albenga serves as a historic urban center with Roman origins (ancient Albingaunum) and maintains administrative significance within its province, featuring a seismic classification of 3 and an elevation of just 5 meters above sea level. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Albenga - **Native Labels:** Arbenga (local), Albenga (Italian) - **Location:** Province of Savona, Liguria region, Italy - **Coordinates:** Latitude 44.049113888889, Longitude 8.2130166666667 - **Area:** 36.58 km² (measured October 9, 2011) - **Elevation:** 5 meters above sea level - **Population:** 23,376 (January 1, 2023, preferred value); 24,042 (January 1, 2018); 24,144 (January 1, 2017) - **Postal Code:** 17031 - **ISTAT Code:** 009002 - **Licence Plate Code:** SV - **Local Dialing Code:** 0182 - **Timezone:** UTC+1 (standard time), UTC+2 (daylight saving time) - **Demonyms:** albenganesi, ingauni, albinganesi (masculine plural) - **Patron Saint:** Archangel Michael - **Seismic Classification:** 3 - **Historical Names:** Albingaunum, Alba Ingaunorum, ألبينجا (Arabic) - **Website:** https://www.comune.albenga.sv.it/ - **Instance Of:** Comune of Italy, city - **Capital Of:** County of Albenga, Province of Albenga, Circle of Albenga ### Identifiers and Authority Records - **Wikidata ID:** Q136204045 - **VIAF ID:** 134356601 - **GND ID:** 4222625-9 - **IDREF ID:** 033306567 - **GeoNames IDs:** 6539671, 3183343 (human settlement) - **Freebase ID:** /m/06svpn - **OpenStreetMap Node ID:** 66587093 - **OpenStreetMap Relation ID:** 42816 - **Pleiades ID:** 157803 - **MusicBrainz Area ID:** 944761e0-6bb6-425b-ac06-5eb16967e449 - **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n80001314 - **Italian Cadastre Code:** A145 - **Quirinale ID:** 353968 - **SBN Place ID:** LIAL003794 - **IndicePA ID:** c_a145 - **UN/LOCODE:** ITALL ### Bordering Municipalities Albenga shares borders with: Alassio, Arnasco, Ceriale, Cisano sul Neva, Ortovero, and Villanova d'Albenga. ### Twin Towns - Dabas (Hungary) - Carloforte (Sardinia) — twinning began September 2, 1994 ### Geographic Extremes - Northernmost point: 44.1012134°N, 8.188165°E - Southernmost point: 44.0228775°N, 8.2261638°E - Easternmost point: 44.025389°N, 8.2296455°E - Westernmost point: 44.0715954°N, 8.099415°E ## FAQs **What type of administrative region is Albenga?** Albenga is an Italian comune (municipality) classified as both a comune of Italy and a city. It serves as the capital of the County of Albenga, the former Province of Albenga, and the Circle of Albenga administrative divisions. **What is the population of Albenga?** According to the most recent preferred data, Albenga has a population of 23,376 residents as of January 1, 2023. Historical figures show 24,042 residents in 2018 and 24,144 in 2017. **What is Albenga's geographic position?** Albenga is located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, within the Province of Savona. It sits at coordinates 44.049113888889°N, 8.2130166666667°E, with an elevation of just 5 meters above sea level, placing it near the Mediterranean coast. **What are the official identifiers for Albenga?** Albenga has multiple authority identifiers including ISTAT code 009002, postal code 17031, licence plate code SV, VIAF ID 134356601, GND ID 4222625-9, GeoNames IDs 6539671 and 3183343, and OpenStreetMap relation ID 42816. **What is Albenga known for historically?** Albenga has ancient Roman origins, known historically as Albingaunum or Alba Ingaunorum. The city has a rich historical heritage dating back to Roman times, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire (ID 10567) and Pleiades (ID 157803). **What languages is Albenga covered in?** Albenga has Wikipedia articles in approximately 70 languages, including Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and many others, indicating its international recognition. **What is Albenga's seismic classification?** Albenga has a seismic classification of 3, indicating moderate seismic risk according to the Italian Civil Protection agency's classification system. ## Why It Matters Albenga holds significance as a historic Italian city with roots stretching back to Roman times, when it was known as Albingaunum. Its strategic coastal location in the Province of Savona has made it a continuously inhabited settlement for nearly two millennia, preserving architectural and cultural heritage that attracts scholarly and tourist interest alike. The city's low elevation of just 5 meters above sea level places it within coastal vulnerability considerations, making its seismic classification of 3 and emergency planning particularly relevant for its population of over 23,000 residents. As a administrative center, Albenga serves as the capital of multiple historical and administrative divisions including the County of Albenga, the former Province of Albenga, and the Circle of Albenga, demonstrating its enduring regional importance. The city's twin town relationships with Dabas in Hungary and Carloforte in Sardinia reflect its international connections and cultural exchange programs dating back to 1994. Albenga's inclusion in major geographic and historical databases—including the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire, Pleiades for ancient places, and numerous national authority files—indicates its value as a research subject for historians, geographers, and demographic researchers. Its comprehensive documentation across multiple languages on Wikipedia (70+ language editions) and inclusion in cultural heritage monitoring systems like Wiki Loves Monuments demonstrate its recognized cultural significance. ## Notable For - **Roman Heritage:** Ancient Roman settlement known as Albingaunum, documented in the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire and Pleiades database - **Multi-Lingual Documentation:** Wikipedia coverage in approximately 70 languages, reflecting international interest - **Administrative History:** Former provincial capital and current county seat with historical administrative significance - **Twin Town Network:** International partnerships with Dabas (Hungary) and Carloforte (Italy, since 1994) - **Comprehensive Authority Records:** Extensive documentation across international bibliographic and geographic databases - **Coastal Geographic Position:** Located at just 5 meters elevation with documented extreme coordinate points for mapping purposes - **Seismic Monitoring:** Officially classified with seismic rating, part of Italian civil protection planning ## Body ### History and Origins Albenga traces its origins to ancient Roman times, when it was known as Albingaunum or Alba Ingaunorum. The city's historical significance is evidenced by its inclusion in the Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire (ID 10567) and the Pleiades ancient places database (ID 157803), which document its existence as a Roman settlement. The historical name "Alba Ingaunorum" reflects its ancient identity within the Roman Empire's territorial organization in the Liguria region. The city has maintained continuous habitation since Roman times, evolving through the medieval period into a significant urban center. Its strategic coastal position made it an important settlement for trade and defense along the Mediterranean. The historical heritage is preserved in its architecture, place names, and administrative traditions that continue to the present day. ### Geography and Location Albenga is situated in the northwestern Italian region of Liguria, specifically within the Province of Savona. The city occupies a coastal position at coordinates 44.049113888889°N latitude and 8.2130166666667°E longitude. The municipal territory spans an area of 36.58 square kilometers, measured as of October 9, 2011. The city's low elevation of just 5 meters above sea level characterizes its coastal geography. This relatively flat terrain places Albenga within coastal management considerations, particularly regarding flooding and erosion risks. The municipal boundaries encompass diverse geographic features, with documented extreme points: the northernmost point at 44.1012134°N, 8.188165°E; southernmost at 44.0228775°N, 8.2261638°E; easternmost at 44.025389°N, 8.2296455°E; and westernmost at 44.0715954°N, 8.099415°E. Albenga shares its municipal borders with six neighboring comuni: Alassio to the northwest, Arnasco to the north, Ceriale to the southeast, Cisano sul Neva to the east, Ortovero to the northeast, and Villanova d'Albenga to the north. These administrative boundaries define the extent of Albenga's jurisdiction and local governance. ### Administration and Governance As an Italian comune, Albenga operates as a municipality within the Italian administrative system. The city serves as the capital of multiple administrative divisions: the County of Albenga (comarca), the former Province of Albenga (now part of Province of Savona), and the Circle of Albenga (circondario). This multi-level administrative significance reflects the city's historical importance in regional governance. The municipal administration is identified by several official codes: ISTAT code 009002, Italian cadastre code A145, and IndicePA identifier c_a145. The official website (https://www.comune.albenga.sv.it/) provides municipal services and information to residents and visitors. The city falls under the Province of Savona for current administrative purposes, having been part of the historical Province of Albenga. Albenga participates in national administrative systems including the Quirinale identifier system (ID 353968) for Italian municipalities and maintains records through the Sistema Bibliotecario Nazionale (SBN Place ID: LIAL003794). The municipal coat of arms and flag represent its civic identity, with the flag available in both standard and gonfalon versions. ### Demographics and Population As of January 1, 2023, Albenga has a population of 23,376 residents, representing the most recent demographic data. Historical population figures show 24,042 residents as of January 1, 2018, and 24,144 residents as of January 1, 2017. The population data is maintained through ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) demographic balance records. The city's residents are known by several demonyms: albenganesi, ingauni, and albinganesi (all masculine plural forms). These names reflect both the modern municipal identity and the historical Roman-era designation of the area and its inhabitants. ### Cultural and Religious Significance The patron saint of Albenga is Archangel Michael, reflecting the city's religious heritage and the importance of the cathedral dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo. The Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark in the city center. Albenga maintains cultural connections through various category systems on Wikimedia Commons, including Category:Albenga for general images, Category:Births in Albenga for notable native residents, Category:Deaths in Albenga for those who died in the city, Category:Views of Albenga for photographic collections, and Category:Maps of Albenga for cartographic materials. The city also participates in the Wiki Loves Monuments heritage preservation program (ID: 07A1450000, started September 1, 2020). ### International Connections Albenga maintains twin town relationships with two cities: Dabas in Hungary and Carloforte in Sardinia, Italy. The twinning with Carloforte began on September 2, 1994, formalized through municipal documentation. These sister city relationships facilitate cultural exchange and mutual cooperation between the municipalities. The city's international recognition is further demonstrated by its extensive Wikipedia coverage in approximately 70 languages, from major world languages (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese) to regional and minority languages (Ligurian, Lombard, Piedmontese, Venetian, and others). This multilingual documentation reflects global interest in Albenga's history, culture, and geography. ### Infrastructure and Identification Albenga's infrastructure includes standard Italian municipal identifiers: postal code 17031, licence plate code SV for vehicle registration, and local dialing code 0182 for telecommunications. The city operates on Central European Time, with standard time at UTC+1 and daylight saving time at UTC+2. The municipality maintains comprehensive records across international authority files including the Library of Congress (n80001314), VIAF (134356601), GND (4222625-9), IDREF (033306567), and multiple geographic databases including GeoNames (6539671, 3183343), OpenStreetMap (node 66587093, relation 42816), and Pleiades (157803). These identifiers facilitate research, library cataloging, and geographic information system applications. ### Natural Risk Assessment Albenga carries a seismic classification of 3 according to the Italian Civil Protection agency's classification system, which categorizes municipalities by their earthquake risk. This classification informs building codes, emergency planning, and public safety measures within the municipality. The classification was updated as recently as August 27, 2022, reflecting current seismic risk assessment methodology. ### Geographic Databases and Documentation The city appears in numerous specialized databases documenting geographic and historical information. The Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire includes Albenga (ID 10567) as a documented Roman settlement. The Pleiades ancient places database (ID 157803) provides scholarly references to its classical period existence. GeoNames maintains two entries for the area: 6539671 for the populated place and 3183343 specifically classified as a human settlement. OpenStreetMap documents Albenga's geography through both node (66587093) and relation (42816) identifiers, with the relation encompassing the municipal boundary and providing the source for extreme point coordinate calculations. The Freebase knowledge graph (ID: /m/06svpn) and Yale's Lux identifier (place/002ea4fc-5c2f-401e-b3eb-86cb8f7032a1) provide additional semantic web references. ### Historical and Etymological Background The name "Albenga" derives from the Latin "Alba Ingaunorum," reflecting its Roman heritage. Alternative historical forms include "Albingaunum" and the Arabic "ألبينجا." The local Ligurian form "Arbenga" represents the traditional vernacular name used by residents. These multiple naming traditions reflect the city's layered history spanning Roman, medieval, and modern periods. The demonym "ingauni" connects directly to the Roman-era identification of the area and its inhabitants, maintaining linguistic continuity with ancient designations. This historical naming provides insight into the city's two-thousand-year continuous existence as a defined settlement. ## References 1. [Source](https://dait.interno.gov.it/documenti/statuti/statuto-comune-sv-albenga.pdf) 2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20210914173748/http://www.comune.albenga.sv.it/upload/albenga_ecm8/delibere/G00982017_225_8121.pdf) 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. Czech National Authority Database 6. MusicBrainz 7. Italian National Institute of Statistics 8. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html) 9. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it) 10. GeoNames 11. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224) 12. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 13. Seismic classification in Italy 14. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)