it most likely goes back to the period before the romantic era; it's ancient name was ceula, which appears on a document from the 11th century. it's present name means this town is at "levanter" to genova. until 1140 it was malaspina's feud, and then da passano's. in 1211 it spontanously joined the republic of genova, and remained an independant town from 1247 to 1797 living of maritime trade.thanks to geographical position, levanto, was able to develop quite easily and move on expecially after the ii w.w.
