The first village one encounters going westward is Le Grazie situated in a delightful natural bay, where the Olivetan Convent (Convento degli Olivetani) is well worth a visit to see the 15th century frescoes and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces (Nostra Signora delle Grazie) in late Gothic style.
Porto VenereA visit to Porto Venere is a must on account of its beauty.
Genovese HamletIt is a small picturesque 12th century hamlet of Genovese architecture. The church of San Lorenzo consecrated in 1130 and completely reconstructed in the period from 1931-35, holds a number of notable works of art (the marble icon attributed to Mino da Fiesole) the 14th century image of "La Madonna Bianca" and a triptych from the 14th century to be seen on the main altar. There is also a magnificient treasure in the coffers in ivory that are arab-phoenician and bizantine. On the extreme point of the promontory the ancient church of San Pietro rises proudly. It was built in 1277 on the foundations of a pre-existent building of the sixth century.
From Porto Venere one can visit the island of Palmaria and see the island of Tino where there are remains of the Monastery of San Venerio. Also on the small islet Tinetto there are important remains of the fifth century church. The island of Palmaria is a splendid natural park, offering both rocky and sandy beaches to anyone wanting an "away from it all" holiday amongst natures' greenery. All around the Gulf facilities for water-sports can be found.
Visitors are well cared for in Porto Venere for both accommodations and bathing and in various restaurants serving typical dishes: Date shells (datteri di mare) and an infinite variety of fish.
Bay of LericiJust as interesting for the variety of its scenery is the area on the other side of the bay. Leaving the city you go through the industrial and mercantile area of the Port. The industries and shipyards stretch as far as Muggiano. However, once through the tunnel (galleria degli Scoglietti), one comes across the delightful bay of Lerici. Passing through S.Terenzo the Genovese castle cannot be missed with its surrounding 17th century parish which houses a painting by Flasella (1629). The villa Magni remains an historic record of its illustrious guest Shelley. One also sees the magnificent Villa Marigola (ex Villa Pearce) where Sam Benelli composed the "Cena delle Beffe", and where other world famous personalities have been given hospitality.
The villa is owned by the "Cassa di Risparmio della Spezia" and is now used for conferences and cultural activities. A short distance away, Lerici offers us another Genovese castle which is an extension of a pre-existent medieval castle, where one can see the ancient chapel dedicated to S. Anastasia dating back to the 1250. The Oratory of San Rocco (a baroque church built on the remains of another church) has various points of interest. There is a notable painting by Flasella, a bell tower and the tombstones from the 13th century. The parish Church of San Francesco which was reconstructed inside in 1632, after the complete destruction of the previous church, contains some notable artistic records: two canvases by Flasella and a marble triptych by Domenico Gare (1529), the Dead Christ from Maragliano and remains of primitive church. The mild climate in Lerici allows its citizens and visitors a pleasant stay all year.
TellaroThe green of the hills and the surrounding vegetation characterise the landscape of Lerici across to Fiascherino where D.H. Lawrence stayed and on to Tellaro with its charming architectural. Green is the predominant color across the Gulf as far as Bocca di Magra. Above Lerici one can see Barcola and the beautiful villas: De Benedetti (now Picadi), Cochrane (now Carnevali) surrounded by sweeping park; where from La Serra a delightful road winds through thick pine woods leaving you panoramic-viewpoints. From Montemarcello the road descends towards Ameglia (Castle 16th century and church) and the mouth of the Magra. Lerici offers good hotels of all categories and various restaurants offering local dishes. bathing facilities and discos. Local dishes: Date shell soup (Zuppa di datteri di mare), Local fish, Spaghetti Lerici style.
Tourist Information
(0187 thelephone prefix)
Porto Venere
Castle visits
Opening times: summer 10am - 12am / 2pm - 6pm
winter 3pm - 5pm
Ferry services with Palmaria island
Le Grazie
Tourist information: via Libertà 131 - phone 902380
Roman Villa Varignano (excavation site)
information phone n. 010-298405
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