Lego’s Italian Riviera, inspired by Cinque Terre, blends heritage and stereotype

LEGO has announced the launch of the new architectural Lego Ideas Italian Riviera set (21359), a detailed 3,251-piece model kit inspired by the charm of the Ligurian coast. 
The adult-focused set recreates the picturesque atmosphere of a Northwestern Italian fishing village, complete with colorful buildings perched along the coastline. The set features three traditional buildings with removable roofs and upper stories, housing a gelato store, diving equipment shop, and bustling fish market alongside the storekeepers' homes. Ten minifigures populate the scene, including a gelato store owner, fish vendor, and pasta-making nonna. It is a postcard view of the Italian coast, obviously very touristy and stereotypical. On the other hand, it is a Lego set and not a critical essay on the architecture of the Riviera. It is a vision where there is no room for Daneri and Gardella.

The Italian Riviera set originated through LEGO Ideas, a platform that allows fans to submit original designs for community voting. Submissions that gain enough support are then considered for official production. This particular set design came from Alex Sahli, a Lego fan from Portland, Oregon, who drew inspiration from his travels to Italy's Cinque Terre. The LEGO Ideas Italian Riviera set will be available for early access to LEGO Insiders starting August 7, 2025, with general availability beginning August 10, 2025. 
The set is priced at €279.99, £249.99, or $299.99.