0 
1 As I look out into another September rainy day I long to be somewhere else. Like a Mediterranean coastline town. Where I could watch life bustle by as I sit in a café admiring the pastel buildings and the turquoise blue of the sea. Unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to be there. Fortunately, I am lucky enough that there is a LEGO set of this exact scene though, the LEGO Italian Riviera. And I got one to review.
La vita è bella
The LEGO Italian Riviera was a LEGO Ideas set submitted by Fan Designer, Alex Sahli. And it wowed voters along with the committee enough to be made into a fully fledged set, much like the LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine! Talking about his design Alex said,
“I’ve always been passionate about travel, and Italy stands out as my favourite destination. Its blend of natural landscapes and architectural beauty is truly inspiring. My submission is centered around the villages of Cinque Terre. One of the key structural challenges I faced was incorporating buildings at various angles while ensuring overall stability. I’m especially proud of the vibrant colours and the textural variety throughout the build – particularly in the water, houses, and stonework. I’m also pleased with how the tile roofing turned out; it’s a simple design, but it functions effectively and complements the overall aesthetic”.
Whilst I usually stay clear of architecture sets, because lord knows I do not need another theme to collect, there is something about this set. But for £250 on the LEGO website is it one not to be missed? Let’s find out.
The Build
This is another big build with 3251 pieces and two instruction booklets. And yet none of it feels like a slog. The set is compromised of a shimmering sea section as well as three beautiful buildings. Oh and ten minifigures! Each of the buildings have removeable roofs so you can enjoy the details you’ll lovingly build on each storey. This is one of my favourite bits about building sets the hidden details that you get to enjoy along the way. From a stack of gelato cones in the gelato shop, to crabs with nets in the fish market. Each building has sweet little moments.
The ten minifgures ensure that the details aren’t just saved for the interior of this set. With a boat for the fisherman, cats looking to steal the catch of the day, and even a moped for someone to zip around in. The set designer themselves even appears as a tourist. You can set the scene in anyway you wish. Maybe you want the minifgures all inside their own shops or homes. Perhaps you want them loitering the streets. It’s entirely u to you. I went for a mixture. Mainly because the LEGO box scene of a Nonna teaching her grandson how to make trofie pasta was too cute not to copy.
By now you probably just want to see the set so enjoy these photos of my build, including some in-progress shots.
Product Details
Age: 18+
Range: Ideas
RRP: £249.99
Pieces: 3251
Minifigures: 10
Dimensions:
H: 23cm/ 9in
W: 34cm / 13in
D: 31cm / 112in
Final Thoughts
The LEGO Italian Riviera is a joyful set. It is the exact level of detail you wish for whilst keeping the fun. Which at it’s core is what every LEGO set should have. Here’s looking at you Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship! If it wasn’t for the price tag I would have not been surprised if this was a set to be played with. The TC Mini Crew certainly loved seeing it come together and checking out all the minifigures, coming up stories for each of them.
So would I recommend this set? Yes. Be it for a LEGO collector who loves travel or those who enjoy the architecture sets. This is a set you should not miss out on. It’s fun to build and the details are brilliant.
The LEGO Italian Riviera set gets the Thumb Culture Platinum Award
Disclaimer: A product was received in order to write this review.
YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discord | Podcast
About Author
